Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Conservation Status
VulnerableAves · Sphenisciformes · Spheniscidae
About
The Humboldt penguin is a medium-sized penguin. It resides in South America, along the Pacific coast of Peru and Chile. Its nearest relatives are the African penguin, the Magellanic penguin and the Galápagos penguin. The Humboldt penguin and the cold water current it swims in are both named after the explorer Alexander von Humboldt. The species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN with no population recovery plan in place. The current wild population is composed of roughly 23,800 mature individuals and is declining. It is a migrant species.
Fun Fact
While all the Spheniscus penguins are close to each other in size, the Humboldt penguin is the heaviest species in the genus, with 123 females weighing 4.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Endemic to the west coast of South America.
Diet
Primarily consume anchovy, Araucanian herring, silver-side, pilchard and squid.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Degradation
- Overexploitation
- Invasive Species
- Climate Change