Head to head
Humboldt Penguin vs African Penguin
Humboldt Penguin
VS African Penguin
Both species prove that penguins can thrive far from any polar ice, but each has paid a steep price from historical human activity.
| Humboldt Penguin | African Penguin | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Spheniscus humboldti | Spheniscus demersus |
| Range | Coasts of Peru and Chile | Coasts of South Africa and Namibia |
| Habitat type | Arid desert coastline cooled by an ocean current | Warmer African coastline |
| Cause of decline | Guano mining and warm-water food shortages | Historical exploitation and fishing competition |
| Distinguishing feature | A black band across the chest | A loud, donkey-like braying call |
| Population trend | Decreasing | Decreasing |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable | Critically Endangered |
| Habitat | Ocean, coastal | Ocean, coastal |
Humboldt Penguin vs African Penguin: common questions
Which one has declined more severely?
The African penguin has declined far more severely, with a population collapse of more than 95 percent over the past century, compared with the Humboldt penguin's still serious but less extreme decline.
Which one is the only penguin species on mainland Africa?
The African penguin holds this distinction, being the only penguin species that breeds on the African continent, a status the South American Humboldt penguin does not share.
Why do both species depend on cold ocean currents despite living in warm regions?
Both the Humboldt penguin and African penguin rely on cold ocean currents running along their otherwise warm coastlines to keep them cool and to support the small schooling fish that make up most of their diet.