Abstract
Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) is a species that reproduces in Antarctica and sub-Antarctic islands. During 2022 a Gentoo Penguin with an unusual plumage coloration was recorded at Esperanza/Hope Bay, north of the Antarctic Peninsula (63°24′ S, 57°01′ W). The coloring of plumage is achieved by two types of pigments known as carotenoids and melanins. Two different types of melanin (phaeomelanin and eumelanin) are responsible of producing different pigmentation patterns that oscillates between reddish-blackish coloration. The unusual coloration of the penguin was identified as melanism, a genetic condition that causes an excess of melanin pigment in feathers. This particular individual appeared to be in good health and exhibited normal behavior. As far as we know this is the second official report of melanism for the species since the first one in 1997 and it is the first report for the colony.
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Acknowledgements
The Instituto Antártico Argentino—Dirección Nacional del Antártico (PINST-05) provided financial and logistical support. This work involved no contact with animals. However, the field work was carried out under the permit granted by the Dirección Nacional del Antártico (Environmental Management Office).
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The Instituto Antártico Argentino—Dirección Nacional del Antártico (PINST-05) provided financial and logistical support.
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PDM was in the field, saw the Gentoo Penguin with the melanic aberration plumage, and took the pictures. AS and MJ were conducting the penguins’ research in the area. The first draft of the manuscript was written by NR and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Nigro, R., Silvestro, A.M., Juáres, M. et al. A case of melanism in a Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua) at Esperanza/Hope Bay, Antarctica. Polar Biol 46, 1159–1162 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-023-03190-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-023-03190-0