Core Insights - An international team led by the University of Otago in New Zealand conducted a study on the genetic status of three species of crested penguins, revealing that one species has a healthy and stable population with good genetic diversity, while the other two face serious genetic issues [1] Group 1: Genetic Diversity and Population Status - The study utilized DNA sequencing technology to analyze genetic diversity and population structure of penguin groups in New Zealand's South Island and surrounding islands [1] - The Fiordland crested penguin was found to have a rich genetic diversity and a stable population, with numbers even increasing due to their ability to forage widely in nearshore, offshore, and fiord waters [1] Group 2: Threatened Species and Climate Change - In contrast, the eastern rockhopper penguin from the Antipodes Islands exhibited extremely low genetic diversity and a continuously declining population [1] - The erect-crested penguin has differentiated into two genetic populations on the Antipodes and Bounty Islands, with the former experiencing a sharp decline while the latter remains relatively stable [1] - The study indicated that climate change may render the Antipodes Islands unsuitable for the survival of the erect-crested and eastern rockhopper penguins, potentially making the Bounty Islands the last refuge for the erect-crested penguin [1] Group 3: Conservation Recommendations - Researchers called for the development of differentiated conservation measures tailored to the specific circumstances of different populations and islands [1]