Scientists identify new penguin species after century

Researchers have formally identified the southeastern gentoo penguin, Pygoscelis kerguelensis, on the remote Kerguelen Islands, marking the first newly named penguin species in more than a century. Genome analysis of 64 birds from 10 breeding colonies found that gentoo penguins comprise four distinct species: northern, southern, southeastern and eastern; the newly identified species looks much like its relatives but is genetically distinct. The findings also point to conservation concerns: projections suggest three of the four species could face severe habitat loss, while the southern gentoo may expand its range. Researchers warn that treating the birds as one widespread species may obscure the risks facing smaller, isolated populations.