Penguins Face New Threat from Patagonian Pumas

South America’s apex predator returns to the coast

After a decade of near‑absence, pumas (Puma concolor) have started to re‑establish themselves along Argentina’s Patagonian shoreline. Their comeback is reshaping the local food web, and the region’s magellanic penguins are now feeling the impact.

Why the pumas are back

Conservation measures, reduced hunting pressure, and a surge in prey availability in the inland steppe have allowed puma numbers to rise dramatically. As their territories expand, individuals are venturing farther south, crossing the Monte Desert and reaching the coastal cliffs where penguin colonies nest.

Penguins become unexpected prey

Historically, the penguins’ main predators were sea lions and skuas, but recent camera footage captured pumas stalking and ambushing fledgling birds near the beach. Researchers estimate that predation by pumas could account for up to 15 % of chick mortality in the most affected colonies.

Scientific and conservation response

Teams from the National University of Patagonia are deploying motion‑activated cameras and GPS collars to monitor puma movements. “We need to understand whether this is a temporary overlap or a long‑term shift in predator dynamics,” says Dr. Lucía Fernández, a wildlife ecologist.

Conservation groups are also working with local fisheries to ensure that alternative food sources remain abundant for the pumas, hoping to reduce the pressure on the vulnerable penguin populations.

What the future may hold

If the trend continues, penguin colonies could experience a noticeable decline, prompting the need for targeted protection measures such as reinforced nesting barriers and controlled access to the most vulnerable sites. Meanwhile, the resurgence of the puma is celebrated by many as a sign of ecological recovery—highlighting the delicate balance between thriving predators and the species that share their habitat.