DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
This penguin is endemic to southern Africa. This species is marine and usually found within 40 km of the coast.
BEHAVIOUR
At sea they forage singly, in pairs or sometimes cooperatively in small groups of up to 150 individuals. They breed and moult onland where they can remain for up to four months.
DIET
Adults feed predominantly on fish of 50-120 mm length. In some localities cephalopods represent an important food source. Juveniles are thought to prey on fish larva.
REPRODUCTION
The average age at first breeding is around 4-6 years. The species breeds year round. Adults nest colonially, but may also nest in isolation. In the past, nests were usually built in burrows dug in guano or sand. Females typically lay two eggs, which are then incubated by both parents for about 40 days.
GOOD TO KNOW
Each penguin has a different pattern of spots on the underwings and a different arrangement of the dots on the belly.
- Latin name: Spheniscus demersus
- IUCN –Red List – EN – Endangered
- CITES – Appendix II
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