We will explain the characteristics, ecology, and habitat of Cape penguins. Cape penguins are the only penguins that live on the African continent. They are probably one of the most commonly seen penguins in aquariums and zoos. It is a type of penguin that easily adapts to human environments.
Basic information about Cape penguins
African Penguins are birds that belong to the Humboldt penguin genus (Cape penguin genus). Other names include African penguin, African penguin, jackass penguin, and black-legged penguin. The scientific name is Spheniscus demersus. This species is about 70cm long and can be found near the southern regional coasts of South Africa.
| Japanese（和名） | ケープペンギン、アフリカンペンギン、アフリカペンギン、ジャッカスペンギン |
| English（英名） | African penguin |
| scientific name(学名) | Spheniscus demersus |
| classification（分類） | Sphenisciformes, Spheniscidae, Spheniscus ペンギン目ペンギン科ケープペンギン属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Height（身長） | 70cm |
| Weight（体重） | 2-5kg |
What will happen to the classification?
There are four species of Cape penguins in the Humboldt penguin genus (Cape penguin genus). The Cape Penguin was first illustrated in 1747 by British naturalist George Edwards in his Natural History of Unusual Birds. This has helped it become recognized. Cape penguins are now classified in the same category as penguins of the genus Spheniscus, which were introduced in 1760 by French zoologist Mathurin-Jacques Brisson.
| 名前：Name | 属名：Group | 生息地:habit |
| ガラパゴスペンギン(Galapagos Penguin) | Spheniscus フンボルトペンギン属 | ガラパゴス諸島 galapagos islands |
| ケープペンギン(African Penguin) | Spheniscus フンボルトペンギン属 | 南アフリカ South Africa |
| フンボルトペンギン(Humboldt Penguin) | Spheniscus フンボルトペンギン属 | チリ Chile |
| マゼランペンギン(Magellanic Penguin) | Spheniscus フンボルトペンギン属 | 南アメリカ太平洋岸 south america pacific coast |
About the Cape Penguin Habitat
Cape penguins live along the coastline of South Africa. Particularly large numbers of penguins live in the areas surrounding the Agrahas Current, where the ocean currents bring in abundant food. Because they are a little less cautious, they often appear in human residential areas.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Cape penguins are small penguins with a pure white belly with black spots, and the number of spots varies depending on the individual. They are called jackass penguins because they sound like a donkey’s cry. The biggest feature is that she has a single, thin chest line, and at the same time has a lot of white parts on her face.
What will your personality look like?
Humboldt penguins tend to have the same overall personality and are thoughtful, but Cape penguins often appear in human residential areas, so they are not as wary. Depending on the individual, they may even come close.
What is the ecology of Cape penguins?
Like other penguins, African penguins live on fish and crustaceans. They lay eggs in coastal areas throughout the year, with two eggs per nest, and the incubation period lasts about one month. The male and female take turns warming the eggs under their feet. The chicks leave the nest 70 to 100 days after hatching. The maximum recorded lifespan is about 15 to 20 years, although there are some reported cases of them living longer than that.
What are the natural enemies of the Cape penguin?
Cape penguins have natural enemies both on land and in the sea. On land, dogs, cats, foxes, etc. There are killer whales and sharks in the ocean, so they are not at the top of the food chain.
Are Cape Penguins an endangered species?
Unfortunately, Cape penguins are listed as an endangered species. The estimated number of individuals was once estimated to be in the millions, but now it is said to be around 50,000. Why has it decreased so much? The causes are as follows.
Eggs are targeted by humans
African penguin eggs were considered a delicacy and were still eaten well into the 1970s. Cape penguins were targeted by humans, who collected them for sale.
fishing competition
The human population is also increasing, which means they are taking more fish. As a result, Cape penguins have no fish to eat, making it difficult to find food nearby. Furthermore, due to climate change, it is becoming difficult to find food nearby. Sea surface temperatures are also rising due to the El Niño phenomenon, which is critical.
Marine pollution from petrochemicals
Habitat contamination by petrochemicals is a problem. Their numbers are decreasing throughout the Southern Hemisphere due to oil spills. The reality is that many penguins die every time there is a tragedy such as an oil spill.
Conservation efforts continue
From 2010 to 2013, U.S. zoos spent $300,000 to protect wild populations, and conservation efforts are underway. Penguins have become a common sight in zoos around the world. In Europe, a breeding program called “EAZA” has been launched.
Is it possible to keep cape penguins?
Cape penguins are extremely difficult to obtain as their population is decreasing and they are listed as an endangered species. The only option is to have the aquarium or zoo give it to you. However, it is recommended because it can easily adapt to the environment where humans live, as shown in the video below.
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