The 25 Islands that African penguins breed on have likely been established because they are inaccessible to terrestrial mammalian predators. Because penguins must breed on the ground or in burrows on land, they are easy prey for many potential predators. Despite the danger, four mainland colonies have been established. In addition to the pressures of the penguins to live and breed successfully, the mainland breeding sites have many potential mammal predators: Leopards Panthera pardus, Large-spotted Genets Genetta tigrina, Small grey Mongoose Galerella pulverulenta, Water Mongoose Atilax paluinosus, Cape clawless Otter Aonyx capensis, Caracal Felis caracal and feral cats Felis catus. Some conservation measures have included fencing breeding grounds and elimination of feral cats.-Pamela Schaller