There are 17 species of penguin , ranging from the frozen waters of the Antarctic, to the Galapagos Islands on the equator. Despite their comical appearance, penguins are the most successful avian predators of the Southern Oceans.
Penguins can run as fast as most men, and swim faster than most fish.
They are perfectly adapted to a half life between land and sea. Penguins have undergone huge declines in certain regions, and some penguins face the very real prospect of extinction unless something is done to help. In September 2000, penguin conservationists from all over the world gathered at La Serena to discuss ways in which penguins could be protected. A number of wide-ranging proposals were drafted, and the International Penguin Conservation Work Group was formed.