All 17 species of penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere. The Humboldt penguin population has been reduced from an estimated 50,000 to 15,000 individuals due to loss of nesting habitat.
People use the phosphate-rich guano as a fertilizer.
Overfishing of the Humboldt's primary food, anchovies, has also contributed to the population decline. All species of penguins are legally protected from hunting and egg gathering. But other threats remain. Introduced land predators such as cats and dogs prey on penguins. Overeager sightseers may come too close to breeding areas.