African Penguin l Remarkably Adapted Bird

African Penguin, Spheniscus demersus — Source: http://bit.ly/2UTC4jg Public Domain Image

African Penguin Facts

Most notably, the amazing African Penguin truly deserves the rather surprising name. That holds true because, as the common name suggests, it represents the only species of penguin native to Africa.
Furthermore, it also remains well-known for yet another unusual physical trait. That’s its distinctive, and quite loud, donkey-like braying, earning it the nickname of the donkey penguin.
Sadly, however, this precious and unique avian presently faces the very real threat of extinction. This truly lamentable fact occurs due to a rapid and still ongoing decline in its known population.
Astonishingly, as well as horribly, in the century between 1910 and 2010, its numbers plummeted precipitously. Its known population dropped from an estimated 1.5 million to only 55,000.
Humans previously hunted its eggs for consumption, beginning the process of its decline. However, since that time, multiple oil spills and industrial fishing have further reduced its numbers.
Finally, the IUCN, quite understandably, lists this remarkable bird as Endangered. Conservation efforts are underway, of course, but the effectiveness of these remains undetermined at this time.

Galapagos Penguin, Spheniscus mendiculus — Galapagos Penguin

Gentoo Penguin, Pygoscelis papua — Galapagos Penguin

African Penguin Physical Description

First of all, physically, the astonishing African Penguin ranks as a rather average sized species of penguin. In yet another distinctive trait, the fascinating animal displays no discernible sexual dimorphism.

However, mature individuals of this flightless avian attain a height ranging between 24 – 28 in (60 – 70 cm). The amazing bird also attains an average weight measuring between 4.9 – 7.7 lb (2.2 – 3.5 kg). But, exceptional individuals do occur.

Also, the back remains primarily black, and the stomach white. However, a black stripe and black spots dot the stomach, unique to each bird. In addition, a bright pink gland develops above the eyes, which actually plays a key role in regulating the body temperature of the animal.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Sphenisciformes
Family: Spheniscidae
Genus: Spheniscus
Species: S. demersus

African Penguin Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most notably, and also quite sadly, the remarkable African Penguin inhabits a highly limited, as well as a specialized, portion of the southwest coast of Africa. This limited range only serves to augment its precarious situation.

Further, almost the entire population of this animal remains extremely spread out geographically. That holds true because its population is divided among a total of 24 small islands, between Algoa Bay and Namibia.

However, in recent years, a few mainland colonies have begun to appear. Although the reason remains undetermined conclusively, it seems likely due to the rapid decline of mainland predators in the region.

In addition, much like related species, this creature also forages in the open sea. Also following in the wake of its relatives, its principal prey consists primarily of various species of small fish, crustaceans, and small squid.

Finally, its own natural predators occur both in the sea and on land, as well. These mostly include sharks and fur seals at sea, and numerous terrestrial animals while on land or nesting, when it is at its most vulnerable.