What is the current status of the Humboldt penguin in Chile?

The Humboldt penguin, which makes up 80% of the global population, has been reclassified as "endangered" by Chile's Environment Ministry due to a significant decline in its numbers.

How have Humboldt penguin numbers changed in Chile over time?

Humboldt penguin numbers in Chile have declined from around 45,000 in the late 1990s to fewer than 20,000 as of 2025, according to estimates from the Universidad de Concepcion.

What are the main threats facing the Humboldt penguin in Chile?

The Humboldt penguin faces a range of threats, including competition for food from commercial fishing, habitat loss, pollution, bird flu, and the worsening impacts of climate change.

Home / Environment / Endangered Humboldt Penguins Struggle to Survive in Chile

Endangered Humboldt Penguins Struggle to Survive in Chile

11 Nov

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Summary

Humboldt penguin population has declined from 45,000 to under 20,000 since late 1990s
Chile's Environment Ministry recently reclassified the species as "endangered"
Threats include overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change impacts

Endangered Humboldt Penguins Struggle to Survive in Chile

As of November 11, 2025, Chilean scientists are warning of further risks to the world's shrinking population of Humboldt penguins, one of the few species that live on rocky coastlands in more temperate regions. Chile's Pacific coast is home to 80% of the global Humboldt penguin population, but their numbers have dwindled significantly in recent decades.

According to estimates from the Universidad de Concepcion, the Humboldt penguin population has declined from around 45,000 in the late 1990s to fewer than 20,000 as of the present day. International organizations have long considered the species vulnerable, and commercial trade has been prohibited. However, late last month, Chile's Environment Ministry reclassified the seabird as "endangered," a move that has raised further concerns about its future.