№ 83 of 100
African Penguin
Spheniscus demersus
Africa's only penguin was uplisted to Critically Endangered in 2024 — on current trends they could be functionally extinct in the wild by 2035.
- Range
- South AfricaNamibia
- Region
- Africa
- Habitat
- Offshore islands and two mainland colonies on the Benguela coast
The story
A million pairs of African penguins bred a century ago; guano mining stripped their nesting burrows and overfishing emptied their seas. In 2024 the species became the first penguin listed as Critically Endangered, prompting court-ordered fishing closures around key colonies.
What's killing them
- Sardine and anchovy collapse from fishing and ocean change
- Historic guano and egg harvesting
- Oil spills
- Noise from ship-to-ship bunkering
Who's fighting for them
BirdLife InternationalBirdLife International
WWFWorld Wide Fund for Nature
IUCN Red ListInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission
Logos are the property of their respective organisations and link to their official sites.
Quick answers
How many African Penguins are left in the world?
Approximately ~19,800 mature (~9,900 pairs). The African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is declining. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the African Penguin live?
The African Penguin is found in South Africa, Namibia (Africa). Their habitat: Offshore islands and two mainland colonies on the Benguela coast.
Why is the African Penguin endangered?
The main threats to the African Penguin are: Sardine and anchovy collapse from fishing and ocean change; Historic guano and egg harvesting; Oil spills; Noise from ship-to-ship bunkering.
Who is working to save the African Penguin?
Organisations working on African Penguin conservation include BirdLife International; World Wide Fund for Nature; International Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission.