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Brillenpinguin

Spheniscus demersus

Endangered ↓

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

15 years

Length

60 cm

Weight

3.5 kg

Population

50.0K

Trend

↓ Decreasing

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About

The only penguin species native to Africa, African penguins inhabit islands and coastlines of southern Africa from Namibia to Port Elizabeth. Reaching 70 cm in height, they are recognized by their braying, donkey-like calls and distinctive black-and-white plumage with a unique pink gland above the eye. Endangered, with populations having declined by 70% since 2000 due to food scarcity from commercial fishing, oil spills, and climate-driven shifts in prey distribution.

Fun Facts

✨ They can swim at 20 km/h.
✨ Their black-and-white coloring is camouflage: white belly hides them from predators below, dark back from above.

Habitat & Distribution

Typically found in diverse ecosystems where prey species are available.

🏖️ Marine Intertidal 🌋 Marine Coastal/Supratidal

Found in Norway. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

🇳🇴 Norway

Diet & Behavior

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Carnivore

Brillenpinguin is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore

Animal matter 100%

Conservation Status

EN Endangered

Estimated Population

50.0K

Population Trend

↓ Decreasing

Full Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia (Tier)

Phylum

Chordata (Chordatiere)

Class

Aves (Vögel)

Order

Sphenisciformes (Pinguine)

Family

Spheniscidae (Penguins)

Genus

Spheniscus (Banded Penguins)

Species

Spheniscus demersus (Brillenpinguin)

Names in Other Languages

Japanese ケープペンギン

Chinese 南非企鹅

Spanish Pingüino de El Cabo

French Manchot du Cap

German Brillenpinguin

Portuguese pinguim-do-cabo

Russian Очковый пингвин

Similar Species in Spheniscus

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Galapagospinguin

Spheniscus mendiculus

Spheniscus magellanicus

Near Threatened

View all species in Spheniscus →

Explore More

Marine Coastal/Supratidal

Habitat

Compare Species

vs Galapagospinguin vs Humboldtpinguin vs Magellanpinguin

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Brillenpinguin?

The scientific name of Brillenpinguin is Spheniscus demersus. It belongs to the genus Spheniscus.

What is the conservation status of Brillenpinguin?

Brillenpinguin (Spheniscus demersus) is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is decreasing.

Where does Brillenpinguin live?

Brillenpinguin is found in Found in Norway. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Norway.

What family does Brillenpinguin belong to?

Brillenpinguin (Spheniscus demersus) belongs to the genus Spheniscus, which is part of the taxonomic family Spheniscidae.

What does Brillenpinguin eat?

Brillenpinguin is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Brillenpinguin live?

Brillenpinguin has an average lifespan of approximately 15 years in the wild.

How many Brillenpinguin are left in the wild?

The estimated wild population of Brillenpinguin (Spheniscus demersus) is approximately 50,000 individuals.

Is Brillenpinguin endangered?

Yes, Brillenpinguin (Spheniscus demersus) is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.