- Habitat loss and degradation: African penguins rely on coastal habitats for breeding, nesting, and feeding, but these habitats are being threatened by human activities such as coastal development, pollution, and overfishing. Coastal development in particular has resulted in the destruction or fragmentation of nesting sites.
- Overfishing: African penguins are also threatened by overfishing, as they rely on fish for their diet. Overfishing can reduce the availability of food for African penguins and make it more difficult for them to survive. Certain fish species the African penguins rely on are being overfished for consumption and recreational purposes.
- Climate change: Climate change is another major threat to African penguins. Rising sea levels and changes in ocean temperatures can disrupt the penguins' breeding cycle, reduce their food supply, and lead to the destruction of their nesting sites.
- Pollution: Pollution from various sources, including oil spills, plastic waste, and sewage discharge, can also have negative impacts on African penguins. Oil spills can coat their feathers, making them unable to regulate their body temperature and waterproof their bodies, leading to death. Plastic waste can be ingested by penguins and cause blockages in their digestive tracts, and sewage discharge can contaminate their food sources.
- Predation: African penguins face threats from predators, both on land and at sea. On land, they can be attacked by mongooses and cats, while at sea, they can be preyed upon by sharks and other large marine predators.
These factors have all contributed to the decline of African penguin populations, leading to their classification as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are underway to address these threats and protect the remaining African penguin populations.