African Penguin vs Snares Penguin
A side-by-side comparison of the African Penguin and Snares Penguin, covering size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and lifespan.
African Penguin
Snares Penguin
Size Comparison
African Penguin
60-70 cm
2.2-3.5 kg
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
2.5-4 kg
| Feature | African Penguin | Snares Penguin |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Vulnerable |
| Scientific Name | Spheniscus demersus | Eudyptes robustus |
| Height | 60-70 cm | 51-61 cm |
| Weight | 2.2-3.5 kg | 2.5-4 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-27 years | 15-20 years |
| Population | ~41,700 individuals | ~25,000 pairs |
| Diet | Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans | Krill, Squid, Small fish |
| Habitat | Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland | Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest |
| Regions | South Africa, Namibia | Snares Islands (New Zealand) |
| Genus | Spheniscus | Eudyptes |
Conservation Status
African Penguin
Critically EndangeredSnares Penguin
VulnerableScientific Name
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes robustus
Height
African Penguin
60-70 cm
Snares Penguin
51-61 cm
Weight
African Penguin
2.2-3.5 kg
Snares Penguin
2.5-4 kg
Lifespan
African Penguin
10-27 years
Snares Penguin
15-20 years
Population
African Penguin
~41,700 individuals
Snares Penguin
~25,000 pairs
Diet
African Penguin
Anchovies, Sardines, Squid, Crustaceans
Snares Penguin
Krill, Squid, Small fish
Habitat
African Penguin
Rocky islands, Sandy beaches, Coastal mainland
Snares Penguin
Sub-Antarctic islands, Rocky shores, Olearia forest
Regions
African Penguin
South Africa, Namibia
Snares Penguin
Snares Islands (New Zealand)
Genus
African Penguin
Spheniscus
Snares Penguin
Eudyptes
About Each Species
African Penguin
The only penguin species that breeds in Africa, now Critically Endangered after losing about 97% of their historical population. Each bird has a unique chest spot pattern, like human fingerprints.
Learn more about African PenguinSnares Penguin
Endemic to the tiny Snares Islands south of New Zealand, this yellow-crested penguin has the most restricted range of any penguin species, yet maintains a healthy population thanks to the absence of introduced predators.
Learn more about Snares PenguinFrequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, African Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The African Penguin is larger, standing up to 70cm tall compared to the Snares Penguin's 61cm.
Which is more endangered, African Penguin or Snares Penguin?
The African Penguin is classified as "Critically Endangered" while the Snares Penguin is "Vulnerable".
Do African Penguins and Snares Penguins live in the same area?
African Penguins are found in South Africa, Namibia. Snares Penguins are found in Snares Islands (New Zealand).