Kingdom: animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: birds
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: laridae
Gender: penguinus
Species:penguinus impennis
O penguinus impennis is a species of bird extinct in the nineteenth century, around 1845. Indiscriminate hunting was the main cause of their demise.
Relatively large in size and weight, this bird was not a flyer, but it swam with excellence, with the help of the interdigital membranes located on its paws. This habit allowed it to feed on fish, and also escape from cetaceans and birds of prey: its main predators. However, on dry land, he moved with difficulty, being more vulnerable to hunting birds of prey and individuals of our species.
Its eggs, meat and fat were prized as a source of food; and its feathers used in clothing and ornamentation. In addition, they were required as bait for cod and lobster fishing.
In view of all these "advantages", the maritime exploration of the North Atlantic increased its search. To make matters worse, collectors around the world, upon learning of the risk that this species was running, started to look for it in order to complement its collections, further compromising the few copies that still existed. Thus, in 1944 the last couple was captured, and today they are only seen stuffed, in museums and private collections around the world.
Contrary to what may appear at first glance, they do not have phylogenetic relationships with penguins, which, inhabitants of the hemisphere south, received this name when they were discovered by navigators exploring this region, and they found both species. similar.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
Brazil School Team
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"Extinct animals" section
Extinct animals -Animals -Brazil School
