Penguins with Attitude

Southern rockhopper penguins, while one of the smallest penguin species, make up for their lack of size with their Herculean athleticism. Their nest sites are found on remote islands in the South Atlantic at the top of vertiginous cliffs. Using only their feet, with flippers waving for balance, these plucky seabirds ascend the cliffs every summer to raise the next generation of penguins. Rockhopper penguin populations have declined significantly in recent years due to a combination of factors, including food shortages, extreme weather events, and predation. Researchers are studying the penguins' foraging behavior and breeding patterns to understand the impact of climate change on their habitat. This article, written by Cheryl Katz and published for the first time in Smithsonian magazine's Jan-Feb 2026 issue, highlights the efforts of scientists like Petra Quillfeldt and Sarah Crofts to monitor and protect the rockhopper colonies, including the use of decoy structures and the restoration of native vegetation. Despite the challenges, the rockhoppers' resilience and adaptability may be their best assets in their fight for survival.