Penguins are aquatic, flightless birds that are highly adapted to life in the water. The majority of penguins can be found in the southern hemisphere, where they can raise their young and catch their prey.

There are eighteen species of penguins living around the world. Of those eighteen ten have been threatened with extinction. This book will explore the top five endangered penguins of the world.

Common Name: Yellow-eyed Penguin

Scientific Name: Megadyptes antipodes

Status: Endangered

Population: 3,400

This species of penguin is threatened by several invasive species, like ferrets, stoats, and feral cats. Many of the penguins have also been drowned from fishing nets which have led them to become a highly endangered species.

Fun Fact: Unlike other penguin species is known for not being particularly social within the colony.

Common Name: Erect-crested Penguin

Scientific Name: Eudyptes sclateri

Status: Endangered

Population: 150,000

Within the last three generations this species has seen a rapid decline. Due to its remote breeding grounds, the details of this bird are poorly known. Making this species of penguin hard to research and help recover.

Fun Fact: Crested penguins lay two eggs. The first egg is usually kicked out of the nest by the parents prior to hatching time.

Common Name: Northern Rockhopper Penguin

Scientific Name: Eudyptes moseleyi

Status: Endangered

Population: Unknown

These penguins closely resemble the Southern Rockhopper penguins. The numbers of this relatively new split species is poorly understood and tracking projects are ongoing. This species is limited to the remote islands of Gough and Tristan de Cunha. Events such as oil spills and storms have had a major effect on the species.

Fun Fact: This species is known to be very nervous and temperamental.

Common Name: Galapagos Penguin

Scientific Name: Spheniscus mendiculus

Status: Endangered

Population 1,200

This is the only penguin species found north of the equator and in the Galapagos. These penguins are threatened by pollution, bycatch and climate change. The introduction of species like dogs, carry diseases that spread to the penguins. The strong events cause by El Niño have caused mortalities up to 77 percent.

Fun Fact: Galapagos penguins molt up to three times each year, shedding their feathers and unable to go back in the water until a new coat grows.