Table Mountain National Park

Research and Projects

Saving the Endangered African Penguin at Boulders

Reasons for population decline:

• Heat stress (global warming, mid summer days – Temperatures higher than 34°C.
• Increased nest abandonment and chick death.
• High Rainfall – nest flooding, chick drowning.
• Increased pelagic fishing industry = reduced availability of food.
• Limited mortality to penguins caught in nets.
• Limited mortality to penguins and seals – shot at sea by fisherman – exact number unknown- enforcement and education are important.
• Competition with other predators – seals and sharks.
  
• Human interference and disturbance (direct interactions, tourism impacts – boardwalks, Burgers Walk).
  
• Egg loss due to predators – kelp gulls, mongoose, snakes.
• Chick loss due to predators – mongoose, otter, cats, genet, leopards.
  
• Adult death due to predators – seals, sharks, dogs etc.
  
• Loss of Habitat: Competition for breeding space.
  
• Marine Disturbances: Alternating regimes of high and low abundance of Sardine and Anchovy worldwide, including the Benguela system.
  
• Pollution impacts the mortality of penguins such as oil, diesel, or chemicals spillages.
  
• Catastrophic events (e.g. fire at colonies such at Stony Point, Boulders).
  
• Injuries / Mortality due to motor vehicles.
  
• Deformities impacting on breeding and feeding.
  
• Penguins do contract diseases.

Purchase a Penguin Nest Box and help preserve these beautiful creatures!

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