This species nests on rocky coastal areas and islands, mainly using guano burrows for raising their young. Some Humboldt penguins migrate over 1,000km between Peru and Chile after moulting their winter feathers in March. They can dive 30-50 metres in search of fish, but can also feed on squid and crustaceans.
Fun fact – Humboldt penguins can swim up to 30mph!
-
Ecology
-
Threats
Fewer than 24,000 Humboldt penguins were estimated to be present in the wild as of 2017. These remaining individuals are at risk due to pollution from industrial activities, being caught in trawling nets intended to catch other species, and predation by feral cats and dogs. Humboldt penguins are also at risk of further population decline due to the damage done to nests at breeding sites by human tourists.
-
Conservation
To protect the Humboldt penguin, there is currently a Guano System National Reserve in place – this is a network of connected headlands around Humboldt penguin nests to protect them and their main prey species. Alongside this, an ex-situ programme is in place to raise chicks from neglected eggs. Artificial insemination using frozen sperm samples has also been conducted to further ex-situ conservation breeding efforts.
Nature’s SAFE stores samples from the Humboldt penguin here in the UK to further protect this species from decline.
Take action today
Together we can end the extinction crisis
Preserved January 2024
Help us turn the tide on extinction
At least 50 distinct genetic lines are needed to save each species.
On average, it takes £100 to preserve cell and tissue sample from one animal. That’s at least £5,000 to preserve an entire species.
Make a monthly donation to safeguard the future of our natural world.
Donate Now
Fundraise for us
Sponsor a Fundraising Hero embarking on a challenge, or plan your own fundraiser to support us.
Get Started
Corporate participation
Explore opportunities to develop a corporate partnership with us.
Get Started
Wolverine
Total Population: Around 13,000 in the wild
Common Eland
Total Population: 90,000 to 110,000 in the wild
Siamang Gibbon
Total Population: Around 22,000 in the wild
Bar-headed goose
Total Population: 97,000 - 118,000 in the wild
Owston’s palm civet
Total Population: Unknown
Red-footed tortoise
Total Population: Unknown
Sloth bear
Total Population: Less than 20,000 in the wild
Inca Tern
Total Population: Around 150,000 in the wild
Capybara
Total Population: Unknown
Nile Lechwe
Total Population: 30,000 - 40,000 in the wild
Fea’s tree frog
Total Population: Unknown
Clouded Leopard
Total Population: Less than 10,000 in the wild
White naped mangabey
Total Population: Around 1,000 in the wild
Red Panda
Total Population: Less than 10,000 in the wild
Guianan Squirrel Monkey
Total Population: Around 150,000 in the wild
Argentine black and white tegu
Total Population: Unknown
Brandt’s vole
Total Population: Unknown
Pygmy marmoset
Total Population: Unknown
Mandarin duck
Total Population: Around 65,000 in the wild