Penguins are typically associated with cold, icy polar regions. This makes the presence of a penguin species thriving on warm African coastlines particularly unexpected.
The African Penguin
The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is a distinct species with striking appearance. Adults have black and white plumage, with a black back and white belly. A prominent black band arches across their chest, and each bird has a unique pattern of black spots on its white underside, similar to human fingerprints. They also feature distinctive pink patches of bare skin above each eye, which become more vibrant as blood flow increases to dissipate heat.
These flightless birds stand 60 to 70 centimeters (24-28 inches) tall and weigh 2.2 to 3.5 kilograms (4.9-7.7 pounds), with males slightly larger than females. African penguins are known for loud vocalizations resembling a donkey’s bray, earning them the historical nickname “jackass penguin.” They use these calls to attract mates, defend territory, and locate each other.
Their Coastal Habitat
African penguins are found along the southern and southwestern coastlines of Africa, primarily in South Africa and Namibia. Their colonies inhabit islands and mainland sites like Boulders Beach and Stony Point near Cape Town. Their presence is facilitated by the cold, nutrient-rich Benguela Current. This current brings a consistent supply of small pelagic fish, such as sardines and anchovies, which form their primary diet.
For nesting, African penguins historically excavated burrows in guano deposits, offering protection from predators and temperature fluctuations. However, due to historical guano harvesting practices, many now nest in more exposed locations such as open scrapes, under bushes, or between rocks. Conservation efforts now include the provision of artificial nest burrows to compensate for the loss of natural nesting sites and provide better shelter for breeding pairs and their chicks.
Protecting the Species
The African penguin is currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, reflecting a severe population decline of over 90% since pre-industrial times. This drastic reduction is attributed to several significant threats. A major concern is overfishing, which creates direct competition for their primary food sources, leading to food shortages and reduced breeding success.
Oil spills also pose a substantial risk, as oil contaminates their feathers, impairing their insulation and buoyancy, which can be fatal. Climate change further exacerbates their challenges by altering ocean temperatures and currents, impacting the distribution of their prey, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events that threaten nesting sites. Conservation efforts include establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to safeguard their habitats and food supply, implementing no-take zones around colonies, and operating rehabilitation centers like SANCCOB to care for injured or oiled birds.