African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
The African penguin is one of 17 species in the world. It is an endangered species threatened by increased commercial fishing, climate change and pollution of the sea, particularly by oil. Oil tanker accidents and oil spills during tank cleaning at sea (a prohibited technique) put continuous pressure on the species.
IUCN RED LIST
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classifies living species according to criteria that take into account their level of threat of extinction: the Red List is an indispensable tool for coordinating nature conservation actions, a veritable barometer of the health of our Planet.
EEP Project
This species is included in EAZA’s (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) EEP programme for breeding endangered species.
Lives in: South Africa and Namibian islands
How do you live?
Where does it live?
The African penguin prefers rocky coasts where it can easily find crevices to build nests. Both parents take care of incubating the eggs and raising the chick.
Who eats it?
The African penguin primarily feeds on sardines and other small fish. Climate change, by altering the temperature of the water, forces penguins to go fishing far from the beaches.
Who eats it?
How long does he live?
African penguins live on average 15-20 years. The juveniles are black for about 3 years and gradually change their plumage until they attain the black-and-white coloration of adults.
Quanti figli
Curiosity
African penguins are called “jackass” penguins in English because they produce sounds resembling a donkey’s bray. Vocalizations are very important, and much of what we know today about their meaning comes from studies conducted in zoos as well.
Animals living in the same geographical area
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