Jackass Penguin
or Black-footed penguin, Spectacled penguin, Cape penguin
Scientific Name: Spheniscus demersus
Size
They are about 25 inches (63cm) tall. They weigh about 7 to 8 pounds
(3 to 4kg).
Where are they found?
They are confined to South Africa waters, bounded in the north by Mozambique
and Angola. The majority of the species are found in the cooler waters of the
Cape coast, breeding on the coast and islands, especially Dassen and Dyer
Islands.
What do they eat?
Their main food sources are pilchards (33�3%), maasbankers, anchovies, squid
and crustaceans.
Main Predators
Their predators on land are Dominican Gulls and Sacred Ibis; at sea, octopus
and sharks. They are much exploited by man, but conserved on account of its
commercial significance as a guano and egg producer. (Numbers are controlled
to placate the local fishing industry).
Highlights
They are slate coloured, but with the white of the breast extending in a
semicircular pattern behind and over the head. They have a narrow black line
in the shape of a horseshoe extending along the flanks and across the chest.
There are flesh-pink markings around and above the eye.
They are highly gregarious at breeding time. They have an extended season, but
November and March are the principal months. The nest is made of twigs, roots
and weeds. They are made in sand burrows (or rock cavities about 1 foot
(0�3m) deep) in the bare wind-swept terrain.
Two greenish eggs, sometimes even three or four are laid. The incubation
period is about 28 days. The chicks are fed for as long as 3 months.
Back To Top Of Page
Back To Main Menu