African Penguin : Study
A new study by an international team of researchers from South Africa and the United Kingdom has found that artificial nests can enhance the breeding success of African penguins.
- African Penguin has a black stripe and a pattern of unique black spots on its chest, as well as pink glands above its eyes that become pinker as the penguin gets hotter. Males are larger than females and have larger beaks.
- It is usually found within 40 kilometers of the shore, coming onshore to a variety of coastal habitats to breed, molt, and rest.
- This penguin breeds on the African mainland from Hollams Bird Island, Namibia to Bird Island, Algoa Bay, South Africa.
- The species breeds naturally in burrows dug into guano (a natural substance composed of the excrement of birds, bats, and seals), which protects them from the extreme heat of their environment.
- This penguin’s average lifespan in the wild is 20 years.
- It feeds on pelagic schooling fish, particularly sardine and anchovy.
- Conservation status IUCN: Endangered
