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Five Penguin Species Receive U.S. Endangered Species Act Protection

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced on August  3, 2010  a final rule to list the yellow-eyed penguin, white-flippered penguin, Fiordland crested penguin, Humboldt penguin, and erect-crested penguin as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act).

Humboldt perguin. Photograph courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced on August  3, 2010  a final rule to list the yellow-eyed penguin, white-flippered penguin, Fiordland crested penguin, Humboldt penguin, and erect-crested penguin as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). These species are found in New Zealand, Chile, and Peru. This rule, published in the Federal Register, implements the Federal protections provided by the Act for these five species.

 

“This final listing represents the United States’ continued effort to promote global conservation,” said acting Service Director Rowan Gould.

Threats to these penguin species include habitat loss, predation and other man-made factors. For example, with the Humboldt penguin, the destruction of nesting substrate due to guano collection, and incidental mortality from fisheries by-catch and fishing with explosives are also responsible for the decline of this species. 

Granting protection under the Endangered Species Act for these five species prohibits the import or export of the species, or their parts or products, as well as their sale in interstate or foreign commerce. The only exceptions are for scientific purposes and to assist in efforts aimed at enhancing the propagation or survival of these species. The final rule appeared in the Federal Register on August 3, 2010.

For more information visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website at www.fws.gov/endangered

Note:

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. www.fws.gov.

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