Penguins of Argentina: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

This study analyzes the scientific literature published on penguins in Argentina between 1985 and 2019. It examines the characteristics and the temporal variation in the number of publications, the total number of authors, the percentage of participation of Argentine researchers, the species and region of study, as well as the research topics they address. The results show a tendency towards an increase in papers and studies of these birds, the total number of authors, and the participation of researchers belonging to Argentine research centers during the period analyzed. The most studied penguin species was the Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus), followed by the Southern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) and the Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua). The most addressed research topics were foraging and diet, followed by reproduction and reproductive success, conservation and wildlife management, population dynamics and physiology and histology, which were carried out mainly in the Patagonian region and in the Malvinas Islands. The results help to understand the past, present and future state of scientific literature, which will strengthen decision-making on future research on penguins.