Adélie Penguin … In the wild Adelie penguins are preyed upon by Seals, other sea birds like the Skua (which go after eggs and chicks), and orcas, or killer whales. Predators of Adélie penguin are leopard seals and killer whales; also polar skuas are known to prey upon their eggs along with chicks that have strayed from the group. Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae), the archetypal 'waiter-in-a-suit' penguins, are one of nature's victims.They face, among other predators, one of the most efficient killing machines: leopard seals. New research reveals that Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) are incredibly efficient killing machines.“You could say the penguins have an amazing stealth mode,” said Yuuki Watanabe, a researcher at Japan’s National Institute of Polar Research.. “They’re great at sneaking up on their prey and taking them unaware. From the Galapagos Islands to Antarctica, penguins encounter threats from predatory birds, marine mammals and sharks. Adélie penguins usually swim at around 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h). Instinctively, they will know how to swim and how to find food. While penguins are now protected, humans have been known to hunt them illegally for their oil and eggs. Living near a continent that is 98% covered with ice, they must find bare land with small rocks to build a nest and raise their young. Penguins in large colonies create a formidable defense against these predators by their sheer numbers, as do their swimming skills which include underwater maneuverability, swift exits from the sea and burst swimming speeds. The average life span for this penguin in the wild is 16 years. Do Adelie penguins have any predators? Adélie penguins are one of only five species of penguins that live on the Antarctic continent (Adélie, emperor, gentoo, chinstrap and macaroni penguins). Adélie penguins breed around the entire Antarctic coast and small islands in places where there is exposed rock. They are able to leap some 3 metres (10 ft) out of the water to land on rocks or ice. While penguins are now protected, humans have been known to hunt them illegally for their oil and eggs. Predatory birds such as skuas and sea eagles are also a threat to penguins. Very dense specialized feathers for insulation on land, a layer of fat under the skin provides insulation in the sea. Adelies (45-55cm tall and weighing 3.6-4kg) breed on the Antarctic pack ice and by late summer the young are ready to leave the rookery. Penguins in large colonies create a formidable defense against these predators by their sheer numbers, as do their swimming skills which include underwater maneuverability, swift exits from the sea and burst swimming speeds. Water predators consist largely of killer whales, leopard seals and sharks. Land predators of the various penguin species include lizards, skuas, snakes, other birds and ferrets. Land predators of the various penguin species include lizards, skuas, snakes, other birds and ferrets. The main predators of the penguin are the fur seal, sea lion, leopard seal, shark and the orca. Adelie Penguin facts, diet, predators, reproduction Among the 17 species of penguins, Adélie penguins Pygoscelis adeliae are the best studied of all penguins. Adelie Penguin Adaptations Although birds, they can not fly. Adélie penguins may cheekily steal rocks from their neighbours’ nests to use for their own nest construction. Among all the 17 species, Adélie penguins belong to the two species that can be found on the mainland. South polar skuas, in particular, and Giant petrels kill many chicks and eat eggs as well. Water predators consist largely of killer whales, leopard seals and sharks. Only then when they be able to get into the water and to find food on their own. Adelie Penguin Latin name: Pygoscelis Adeliae , Conservsation status: near threatened (population is increasing) Even though they can't fly, to avoid predators Adélie Penguins are able to leap almost ten feet out of the water and land safely onto rocks.