African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Conservation Status
Critically EndangeredAves · Sphenisciformes · Spheniscidae
About
The African penguin, also known as Cape penguin or South African penguin, is a species of penguin confined to southern African waters. It is the only penguin found in the Old World. Like all penguins, it is flightless, with a streamlined body and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine habitat. Adults weigh an average of 2.2–3.5 kg (4.9–7.7 lb) and are 60–70 cm (24–28 in) tall. The species has distinctive pink patches of skin above the eyes and a black facial mask. The body's upper parts are black and sharply delineated from the white underparts, which are spotted and marked with a black band.
Fun Fact
It released 400–1,000 tonnes (390–980 long tons; 440–1,100 short tons) of fuel oil, causing an unprecedented coastal bird crisis and oiling 19,000 adult penguins at the height of the best breeding season on record for this vulnerable species.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Coastal islands and beaches
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
10-15 years
Threats
- Overfishing
- Small Population Size
- Ocean Acidification
- Genetic Bottleneck