African Penguin populations declined substantially from 1900 to 2000 – from 1.5 million to less than 150,000. Current data shows that as of 2009 there may be around 52,000 left.

Not much bigger than 70 cm (2.5 ft.) and weighing around 5 kg (11 lbs.), these really cute birds are truly vulnerable and as of 2010 are listed as endangered.  Noticeable by pink glands around the eyes that assist with cooling in hot weather, the penguins are known for their nervous constitution and mate for life.  These expert swimmers are one of two flightless birds on the African continent (the other being the ostrich).  African Penguins live on 24 islands and are native to  Namibia, South Africa, Angola and Mozambique with occasional sightings in the Congo and Gabon.  80% of the birds reside on only 7 islands.

What threatens the penguins?  In the past declines were due to the stockpiling of eggs for food and guano as fertilizer.  As of now, depletion of fish stock, habitat destruction and oil spills are the greatest threats.  Current conservation efforts include protected status by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and Convention on Migratory Specis (CMS).  However, further measures and efforts will be necessary to ensure the future survival of these birds.

photos: thanks to Wikimedia Commons and thanks to View from the Bay for the video
sources: IUCN Red List, BirdLife International, Wikipedia, Arkive