African Penguins

The African penguin became the first penguin species in the world to be listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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Key Highlights 

• Scientific Name: Spheniscus demersus.
• Conservation status : Critically Endangered 
• It is one of the smallest penguin species, commonly referred to as “jackass” penguins due to their donkey-like braying calls. 
• Physical Characteristics: pink patches of skin above their eyes, which are used to regulate body temperature. 
• Habitat: They are primarily found in Namibia and South Africa. 
• Threat: Predators, rising ocean temperatures, food scarcity, habitat loss, diseases, and human disturbances.