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The Behavioral Diversity and Breeding Biology of Captive Northern Rockhopper
Penguins (Eudyptes moseleyi)
Mohamad Syahril Bin Syahidan
Supervisor: Dr. Abdulmaula Abdulmagid Hamza
Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology)
School of Marine and Environmental Sciences
Captive animals in zoos and aquaria are studied extensively for their behavioural
responses and potential educational value for the visitors. Captive Penguins were
subject to several studies, but very limited behavioural and biological investigations
were conducted on captive Northern Rock-hopper Penguins (Eudyptes moseleyi)
during the presence and absence of visitors. The present study was conducted at
Langkawi Underwater World, and it found that the Penguins have high behavioural
diversity during visitors presence compared to absence. These behaviours include
preening, surface swimming, walking and underwater swimming. The second part of
the study focused on analyzing 10 years of the species breeding biology. An overall of
21.78% of eggs hatched with 58.33% fledged and 20.51% breeding success. Causes
of egg and nestling failure were discussed. The study concluded that the species has
high educational potential and the captive breeding program conducted had low
success rate. Recommendations were made to mitigate such issues.
1845 | UMT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY 2018