Abstract

Penguins are one of the planet's most endangered groups of seabirds. The systematization of the available knowledge is fundamental for an appropriate diagnostic and the development of protection strategies. The objective of this work is to carry out a state of knowledge diagnosis of two penguin species (Spheniscus humboldti and Spheniscus magellanicus) that nest in Los Lagos Region, southern Chile, through a bibliographic review and unpublished information, identifying nesting sites and research priorities for the conservation of these seabirds. Thirty-one studies on penguins in the Region were compiled, published between 1994 and 2022. Most of the studies focused on determining the presence and estimation of abundance of individuals (39%), followed by studies of genetics and phylogeography (29%). Puñihuil islets are the site with the most studies (64%). Eighteen penguin nesting sites were identified in the Region, of which only four are located inside protected areas. Finally, future research questions are identified, and it is suggested to create a protected areas network that can allow integrated management for penguin conservation in Los Lagos Region.