Happy World Penguin Day!
African penguins (Spehniscus demursus) are an endangered species of penguin found along the coast of South Africa and some islands off of Namibia. African penguin numbers have declined nearly 90% in the last 50 years as a result of human wildlife conflicts. Oil spills, over fishing and guano (used for nest building) collection have led to these dramatic reductions in numbers. It is the hope of researchers, conservationists and zoo keepers alike that if we work together to ensure these penguins have a stable habitat and food source we can turn the fate of this species around. Several organizations including SAMREC and Dyer Island Conservation Trust are working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured, ill and abandoned penguins.
This juvenile penguin was abandoned by his parents at their nest site in a colony near Cape Town. Over fishing has resulted in adult penguins having to venture farther and farther from the coast to find fish, leaving the chicks to fend for themselves for increased periods of time. The defenseless chicks are easy prey for predators or they can end up abandoned if their parents are lost while making the long hunting runs. Ultimately this means more and more chicks are not making it to adulthood.
SAMREC.....
But you can help...
Dyer island Conservation Trust
Global Penguin Society
Just click one!
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