What is the only penguin species that breeds in South Africa and Namibia?

The African penguin is the only penguin species that breeds in South Africa and Namibia.

Its natural breeding range follows the southwestern African coast, from Namibia southward through South Africa. The species is also called the jackass penguin because its vocalizations can resemble a donkey’s bray.

African penguins live in a relatively warm environment compared with Antarctic species. They rely on cool, productive waters offshore and use coastal islands, beaches, and mainland sites for breeding. Their diet includes small schooling fish and other marine prey.

The species has suffered major population declines because of reduced fish supplies, oil pollution, habitat pressures, and disturbance. A frequent misconception is that “African penguin” refers to any penguin seen in Africa; it is actually the standard common name of one particular species, Spheniscus demersus.