IUCN Penguin Specialist Group

GPS spearheaded the establishment of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Penguin Specialist Group . It represents the highest level of scientific rigor and credibility concerning a species group, and has influence on international and national policies. Both founders and Co-Chairs, Dr. Pablo García Borboroglu and Dr. Dee Boersma, belong to GPS. Its Steering Committee is composed of members that represent Antarctica, Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania, and South America.

Global Penguin Conservation agenda

GPS supports the IUCN SSC Penguin Specialist Group to identify the global priorities, stakeholders and required resources for penguins. We elaborate documents that define conservation strategies for penguins globally.

Penguin Conservation status

GPS supports the IUCN SSC Penguin Specialist Group international meetings and workshops to compile and update relevant information to enrich the Red List assessment process.

Trade and Traffic

We are assessing the magnitude, nature, and location of the current trade and illegal traffic of penguins. Our goal is to provide recommendations on how to stop illegal trade and improve regulations of legal trade of penguins to CITES and other relevant organizations for specific species and areas.

Protected areas

GPS is particularly invested in creating new marine and coastal protected areas. We also work to improve management of protected areas and to protect penguin foraging and migration areas from human activities.

Management Plans and Technical Assistance

GPS collaborates with, and formulates advice for governments and landowners in different countries to secure conditions for the persistence and growth of penguin populations. We also develop participatory management plans for colonies open to visitors, including communities in the design of the documents that regulate the management of colonies visited by tourists. Finally, GPShelps improve international and national legislation and fosters their effective enforcement.

GPS works closely with governments, community officials, and landowners to create effective conservation policies to benefit not only penguins, but their entire ecosystems, and nearby communities.