Boulders Beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area in South Africa. Since 1982, it has hosted a mainland breeding colony of the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus), a species endemic to southern Africa characterized by its black-and-white plumage and distinctive facial markings.
Unlike offshore island colonies, this site features granite boulders that provide shelter from environmental exposure and terrestrial predators. The area includes a system of wooden boardwalks that allow close human observation without direct disturbance to nesting sites, facilitating population monitoring and environmental education.
Despite its protected status, the African penguin remains an endangered species. Its population has undergone severe declines due to overfishing of sardines and anchovies, habitat alteration, and marine pollution. Boulders Beach currently serves as a key site for the conservation and long-term study of the species.
• African penguin, jackass penguin, black-footed penguin
• Pingüino de El Cabo, pingüino africano, pingüino de anteojos
Scientific classification:
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Sphenisciformes
Family:Spheniscidae
Genus:Spheniscus
Species:S. demersus
Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town, South Africa
Camera: Canon EOS 77D / 9000D
Lens: Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary
Capture Information:
Focal Length: 562.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/500
Aperture: f/6.3
ISO: 250
Photo Taken: March 16, 2018
High resolution
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