New Zealand scientists are embarking on research to find the answer of one of nature's great mysteries: the disappearance of a penguin every winter.
According to Xinhua, the scientists of the Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) of New Zealand, under the sponsorship of National Geographic Magazine (USA), will research where Rockhopper penguin (the penguin small Antarctica, New Zealand and the Falkland Islands) disappeared when winter comes.
Rockhopper penguin - (Photo: arkive.org)
Under the plan, the group will arrive this bird-like reproduction of Campbell Island, New Zealand to 88 tracking tag attached to miniature penguins feet. They hope based on information collected from the tags will find out where they go in winter, the distribution and use of their habitats.
"We do not know where they come every winter - scientists David Thompson of NIWA said - I do not think we went too far because they can not fly, though they can swim faster."
"Maybe winter is a critical period in their reproductive cycle. To feed their chicks, they need to return to Campbell Island in the early breeding season in good shape "Thompson added.
According to the scientists, from the years 1942-1985, the number of Rockhopper penguins in Campbell declined from about 800,000 pairs of breeding birds was only 51,000 pairs and this decline continues then.
"We are not to the point of extinction in the near term, but it is a very big decline," Thompson said. He also put the theory they are lack of food reserves should be declining faster.
Rockhopper penguins can mature 40cm high, weighs 4kg, distinguishable from other penguin species that have red eyes and yellow crest.