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African Penguin

Spheniscus demersus

Endangered ↓

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

15 years

Length

60 cm

Weight

3.5 kg

Population

50.0K

Trend

↓ Decreasing

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

🥩

Carnivore

African Penguin 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 (สัตว์)

Phylum

Chordata (สัตว์มีแกนสันหลัง)

Class

Aves (นก)

Order

Sphenisciformes (Penguins)

Family

Spheniscidae (Penguins)

Genus

Spheniscus (Banded Penguins)

Species

Spheniscus demersus (African Penguin)

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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Galapagos Penguin

Spheniscus mendiculus

Endangered

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Magellanic Penguin

Spheniscus magellanicus

View all species in Spheniscus →

Explore More

Marine Coastal/Supratidal

Habitat

Compare Species

vs Galapagos Penguin vs Magellanic Penguin vs Humboldt Penguin

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of African Penguin?

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

What is the conservation status of African Penguin?

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

Where does African Penguin live?

African Penguin 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 African Penguin belong to?

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

What does African Penguin eat?

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

How long does African Penguin live?

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

How many African Penguin are left in the wild?

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

Is African Penguin endangered?

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