Birds
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes filholi
On wave-battered cliffs scattered across the southern Indian Ocean, an eastern rockhopper penguin hops its way up the rock face, a species recognized as distinct from its southern relative only after closer genetic and morphological study.
Overview
The eastern rockhopper penguin, Eudyptes filholi, is a Vulnerable seabird breeding on sub-Antarctic islands of the southern Indian Ocean, including Heard Island, Kerguelen, Crozet, and the Prince Edward Islands. Once considered part of a single widespread rockhopper population, it was split out as its own species following closer study, joining the southern and northern rockhopper penguins as a third distinct member of the group.
A rockhopper by any other name
Like its southern and northern relatives, the eastern rockhopper penguin reaches its rocky breeding colonies by hopping up cliff faces with both feet together, a distinctive climbing style shared across all three rockhopper species despite their now-separate taxonomic status.
Status
Vulnerable, with a declining population linked to changing ocean conditions affecting food availability across its Southern Ocean range.
Eastern Rockhopper Penguin: common questions
Why is the eastern rockhopper penguin considered a separate species?
Genetic and morphological study found it distinct enough from the southern rockhopper penguin to be recognized as its own species, splitting what was once treated as a single widespread rockhopper population.
Where does the eastern rockhopper penguin breed?
It breeds specifically on sub-Antarctic islands of the southern Indian Ocean, including Heard Island, the Kerguelen Islands, Crozet, and the Prince Edward Islands.
How does the eastern rockhopper penguin get up rocky cliffs?
Like other rockhopper penguins, it climbs steep coastal rock by hopping with both feet together rather than walking, a technique well suited to its rugged breeding colonies.
Why is the eastern rockhopper penguin Vulnerable?
Its population has declined in connection with changing ocean conditions affecting the availability of krill, small fish, and squid across its Southern Ocean foraging range.