African Penguin

Table of Contents☰

About African Penguin:

Appearance: It has a black stripe and a pattern of unique black spots on its chest, as well as pink glands above its eyes that become pinker as the penguin gets hotter. Males are larger than females and have larger beaks.
Habitat: It is usually found within 40 kilometers of the shore, coming onshore to a variety of coastal habitats to breed, molt, and rest.
Distribution: This penguin breeds on the African mainland from Hollams Bird Island, Namibia to Bird Island, Algoa Bay, South Africa.
The species breeds naturally in burrows dug into guano (a natural substance composed of the excrement of birds, bats, and seals), which protects them from the extreme heat of their environment.
This penguin’s average lifespan in the wild is 20 years.
It feeds on pelagic schooling fish, particularly sardine and anchovy.
Conservation status
- IUCN: Endangered
Threats: Global-warming-induced shifts in the marine and atmospheric environment are destructive to the African penguin’s habitat and comprise a major threat to the bird.

Q1: What is IUCN?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature is a global organization composed of governments, NGOs, scientists, and experts dedicated to conserving nature and promoting sustainability. Its primary role involves assessing the conservation status of species, providing data and analysis on the state of biodiversity worldwide, and offering guidance and frameworks for conservation efforts.

Source: Artificial nests boost breeding success by 16.5% in endangered African penguins