# Penguin species reclassification in Kerguelen Islands > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/penguin-species-reclassification-in-kerguelen-islands > Updated: 2026-09-22T04:27:27.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Researchers have identified a new penguin species on the Kerguelen Islands through genomic and behavioral analysis. Initial studies proposed that the Gentoo penguin should be divided into four distinct species after analyzing 64 genomes, vocalizations, and physical measurements. This led to the identification of Pygoscelis kerguelensis, a unique species residing in the Kerguelen archipelago. Subsequent detailed research, led by scientists from Chile and the University of California, Berkeley, confirmed Pygoscelis kerguelensis as a “cryptic species” that appears visually similar to other gentoo penguins but possesses distinct genetic markers, body sizes, and vocalizations. The study, published in Communications Biology, concluded that the gentoo group actually comprises four genetically distinct species. This reclassification highlights potential conservation vulnerabilities for these species due to global warming in subantarctic regions. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-22: New penguin species discovered on Kerguelen Islands Researchers have discovered Pygoscelis kerguelensis, the first new penguin species identified in over 100 years, found on the remote Kerguelen Islands through genomic sequencing. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-penguin-species-discovered-on-kerguelen-islands ### 2026-09-10: Biological studies reveal new turtle behaviors and penguin species New biological studies reveal undocumented Galápagos turtle migration patterns and the identification of a new penguin species, Pygoscelis kerguelensis, in the Kerguelen Islands. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/biological-studies-reveal-new-turtle-behaviors-and-penguin-species --- Cite as: Penguin species reclassification in Kerguelen Islands. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/penguin-species-reclassification-in-kerguelen-islands