African Cape Penguin

Spheniscus Demersus

The African Cape Penguin lives for an average of 10-15 years, however many do not reach this full lifespan. Populations are steadily decreasing. Guano removal has lead to a decrease in nesting places, and overfishing and pollution makes it harder for them to find food. Because of this, the African Cape Penguin is now listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The penguins nest in burrows dug out of their own excrement, called Guano. Guano is used for fertiliser, and is often scraped from these areas by locals. This causes the penguins to change their habits and nest in different areas, leaving them open to predators like cats and gulls. Of the 1.5 million population of African Cape Penguins in 1910, only 10% remained at the end of the 20th century. Their populations have declined by 95% since pre-industrial times. In 2000, there were 200,000. In 2010, their number was estimated to be at 55,000. At this rate of decline, they are expected to be extinct in the wild by 2030.