What is an African penguin?
The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus), also known as the jackass penguin for its loud, donkey-like braying call, is found along the southwestern coast of Africa. They breed on 24 islands and 3 mainland sites between Namibia and South Africa. Standing 60 to 70 cm tall, they are classified as Endangered, with populations having plummeted by more than 95% since the early 1900s. Threats include oil spills, overfishing of their prey species (sardines and anchovies), and habitat disturbance. Each individual has a unique pattern of black spots on its white chest, like a fingerprint.
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Where this answer comes from
Reference bodies behind our species answers. Links last checked August 5, 2026.
- IUCN Red List - Global conservation assessments and extinction-risk categories.
- BirdLife Data Zone - Species accounts, distribution, and population summaries.
- Smithsonian Ocean Portal - Penguin biology, anatomy, and breeding explainers.
- Australian Museum - Little penguin biology and coastal breeding behavior.