African penguins: features of external structure and behavior

Do you know at least one animal that speaks more strongly and more slowly than a stubborn donkey? It turns out that such a representative of the terrestrial fauna actually exists. And it's not someone, but a penguin, and African. The ability to make heartbreaking screams, similar to the cries of an ass, was the reason that African penguins are often called donkeys.

External structure

For a long time penguins were considered a separate species of animals. Only relatively recently an analysis of the structure of DNA allowed scientists to find out that they belong to a variety of seabirds. Also scientists are sure that penguins are one of the oldest representatives of birds. And perhaps their evolutionary development began as early as the era of dinosaurs.

African penguins are the biggest spectacled penguins. Their growth can reach 70 cm. The maximum weight is 5 kg. They have a standard coloring - black behind, white in front, that is "under the tailcoat." But there is an individual peculiarity among African penguins. This is a black strip, transverse at the chest level and descending to the sides. Thus, in form it resembles a horseshoe.

All penguins, including African, have an unusual ability to stand and move vertically. This is possible due to the special structure of their paws, which are equipped with membranes of leather. With the help of these paws, as well as wings that resemble the paddle in shape, they swim well.

The calf is not as exquisite as an adult African penguin. The nestling is covered with brown-gray down, which only after reaching adulthood acquires a blue hue. The solid and threatening appearance of these birds is also due to the special shape of the beak and the presence of harpoon teeth, thanks to which the chicks fish "dead grip".

Features of behavior

African penguins eat mainly anchovies and sardines.

Life expectancy varies within 10-12 years. Sexual maturation occurs at the age of 4-5 years. The female lays, as a rule, 2 eggs at a time. Parents sit them out in turns for 40 days. For donkey penguins, the distinctive expression of the breeding season is not characteristic. Only the dependence of the hatchery season on the habitat in which the African penguin is located is known. Interesting facts about penguins became the object of research by Argentine scientists. They found out that among the "Africans" there were couples who had not separated for 16 years. That is why penguins are called one of the most faithful modern representatives of fauna.

African penguin is also characterized by good endurance. Representatives of this species dive to a depth of more than 100 m, hold their breath for several minutes, can swim without stopping to 120 km, while developing a speed of up to 20 km / h.

The main enemies of chicks are sharks and seagulls, and adults compete for prey and can become victims of fur seals.

Under the protection of the Red Book

At the beginning of the 20th century, these birds were on the verge of extinction. The reason for this was the use of their eggs for food by the local population. African penguins did not have time to hatch eggs, as the inhabitants simply collected them. To date, this species is listed in the International Red Data Book and is protected by law. But even despite protection, African ornithologists have noted a decline in the population of this species of penguins by almost 50% over the past five years. Scientists attribute this fact to the depletion of fish stocks in ocean waters. Intensive commercial fishing leads to the fact that African penguins lack food, which in turn leads to the threat of the disappearance of this species of birds.

Distribution area

Where live African penguins, you can understand the name of the species. They live on the coast of South Africa and Namibia, as well as the nearby islands, where the cold Benguela current is located. They live in colonies. To date, there are 140-180 thousand individuals, whereas, according to research, in 1900 the population consisted of 2 million individuals.

Penguins - this is certainly one of the most unusual inhabitants of Africa. They happily bask in the sands of Cape Town, enjoying sunbathing, fishing in ocean waters and hospitably welcoming numerous tourists, willingly posing for the cameras' lenses.