Penguins on gray rock

The Humboldt Penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) is a South American penguin living mainly in the Pinguino de Humbold National Reserve in the North of Chile, although its habitat comprises most of coastal Chile and Peru. FEEDING: Humboldt penguins feed primarily on fish, especially anchovies, herring and smelt. THREATS Humboldt penguin populations were first devastated by the mining of guano deposits in which the species prefers to nest for fertilizer. Through the mid-20th century, the penguin appeared to be recovering from this early threat. But changes in ocean currents and temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, apparently driven by global warming, appear to be a grave threat to the species' survival; El Niño southern oscillation events reduce the upwelling of cold, nutrient-laden waters to reduce penguin prey and overall productivity. This penguin is also imperiled by intense commercial fishing and oil pollution.