Context:
African penguins could become extinct in the wild by 2035, says the BirdLife NGO
African penguins:
- Endemic to – Southern Africa.
- Also known as Cape penguin.
- Flightless, with a streamlined body and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine habitat.
- Has a black stripe and a pattern of unique black spots on its chest, as well as pink glands above its eyes that become pinker as the penguin gets hotter.
- Males are larger than females and have larger beaks.
- Habitat – Usually found within 40 kms of the shore, coming onshore to a variety of coastal habitats to breed, molt, and rest.
- Distribution – African mainland ranging from Hollams Bird Island (Namibia) to Bird Island, Algoa Bay, South Africa.
- Largest colony is located on Dyer Island.
- Diet – Primarily feed on pelagic schooling fish
- Breeding – Breeds naturally in burrows dug into guano (a natural substance composed of the excrement of birds, bats, and seals)
- It protects their broods from harsh winds and rain, which can be fatal to chicks.
- However, the penguins prefer the artificial nests over burrows dug in guano.
- Communicate with each other through vocalisations and body language.
- Normally called “jackass” penguins because of their donkey-like braying calls
- Monogamous, which means they have one partner all through their lifestyles.
- Conservation status – Critically Endangered under IUCN Red List
- Threats – Climate change, Habitat loss, Oil spills.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following makes a tool with a stick to scrape insects from a hole in a tree or a log of wood?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Fishing cat
(b) Orangutan
(c) Otter
(d) Sloth bear
Answer: (b)