What is the origin of the name 'Snares Penguin'?

The name comes from its exclusive habitation of the Snares Islands. The scientific name is 'Eudyptes robustus', where 'robustus' means 'strong', reflecting the sturdy and large beak of the Snares Penguin.

Why do Snares Penguins live there?

As previously mentioned, Snares Penguins breed and raise their young solely on the Snares Islands. While they have also been spotted in Tasmania and Macquarie Island in Australia, it's likely those found outside the Snares Islands were drifted ashore. The preference for the Snares Islands is not fully understood, but it might be due to the abundance of krill and crustaceans, their main food, around the islands.

What do Snares Penguins eat?

They dive into the sea to eat krill, crustaceans, squid, and octopus. The chicks are fed pre-digested krill and other foods regurgitated by the parents.

Is it true that only one Snares Penguin chick is raised?

That is true. As introduced in the basic information, the first egg laid is smaller than the second, and often the parents do not incubate it or may accidentally break it. Although it is not clear if Snares Penguins exclusively raise only one chick when both eggs hatch, similar behavior is noted in closely related species like the Erect-crested and Royal Penguins, which may only care for the more assertively feeding chick to ensure survival.

I want to know more about the personality of Snares Penguins!

While not much is specifically known, they are highly social and will aggressively defend their nests from predators that come too close.

Is there a place where Snares Penguins can be seen?

As of November 2021, unfortunately, there are no places in Japan where Snares Penguins can be seen. One option is to join a cruise around the Snares Islands. However, the waters around the islands are often stormy, making navigation difficult. Even if you reach the Snares Islands, they are protected by the New Zealand government, and landing is not permitted without special permission. Thus, tourists can only observe Snares Penguins from the ship, and even then, bad weather may prevent sightings, making any sighting a particularly rare experience. The trip is expensive, but you can book through a travel agency.

Can Snares Penguins be kept in aquariums in Japan?

Unfortunately, Snares Penguins are strictly protected by the New Zealand government, and currently, importing them into Japan is prohibited.

Does the Snares Penguin have any predators?

Natural predators of the Snares Penguin include leopard seals and New Zealand sea lions. However, the greatest threat to them may be humans. The Snares Penguin is currently classified as 'Endangered' by the IUCN due to its limited habitat on the Snares Islands alone. Concerns include potential rapid declines in population due to oil spills or environmental changes caused by severe storms near the islands. Overfishing of squid, a primary food source, around the islands could also impact future population numbers.

What is the lifespan of a Snares Penguin?

Snares Penguins, living in harsh natural conditions, have a maximum lifespan of about 18 years.

Animal Article

Snares Penguin

This time, we introduce one of the macaroni penguin species, the 'Snares Penguin'. This penguin only inhabits certain islands, making it a rare bird known mostly to penguin enthusiasts. This page gathers many questions like 'Why is it called the Snares Penguin?' and 'What is the personality of the Snares Penguin?' Let's dive into these secrets!