Spheniscus demersus

Also known as the African Penguin, this species is noted for its loud, braying donkey-like calls, which is how it got the name "Jackass Penguin." They are social birds, forming large colonies on islands and coastal areas where they breed, molt, and rest together. Their diet primarily consists of fish and squid, which they hunt through skilled swimming and diving.

African Penguins breed throughout the year, with peaks correlating with food availability. They make simple nests in burrows dug in guano or sand, under bushes, or among rocks to protect their eggs from the sun and predators. Both parents share the responsibilities of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.

Recognizable by their black and white plumage, with a unique pattern of black spots and a distinctive pink gland above their eyes. They are medium-sized penguins, about 60-70 cm tall, adapted to life in warmer climates compared to their Antarctic relatives.

The African Penguin has a long history of interaction with humans, dating back to at least the 17th century when sailors and explorers first documented them. Historically, they suffered greatly from egg harvesting and guano scraping, which destroyed much of their nesting habitat.

Listed as Endangered by the IUCN, the population of African Penguins has been declining due to overfishing, oil spills, climate change, and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts include establishing protected marine areas, rehabilitation for oiled penguins, and research to better understand their needs and threats.