Scientists studying the rare yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes), an endangered species found in New Zealand, made a surprising discovery: a new penguin species. The only catch? It’s extinct.

Researchers used genetic analysis as well as morphological evidence from bones and discovered that the oldest specimens were different enough to represent a new species (Megadyptes waitaha). They theorize that before humans first arrived in New Zealand in the 13th century, M. waitaha was able to outcompete the yellow-eyed penguins, forcing them to live on smaller islands to the south. The arrival of humans wiped out many large species, including M. waitaha, allowing the yellow-eyed penguins to expand their range.