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Spotlight on Africa’s Only Penguins
A Cherished Symbol of South Africa’s Unique Coastal Ecosystem
By Shumirai Chimombe
It is probably not widely-known that there is a unique species of penguins that exists on the African continent, and that they can only be found along the coastlines of South Africa and Namibia. They occur mostly on islands along the coast, such as on Robben Island, but there are two land-based colonies in Western Cape: one on Boulders Beach near Simonstown and the other on Stony Point near Betty’s Bay.
With its distinctive black-and-white plumage, The African penguin is a cherished symbol of South Africa’s unique coastal ecosystem and an iconic attraction for both locals and tourists alike. Yet the species - known for its playfulness and social bonds - has already lost 97% of its population and could be extinct in the wild by 2035 if current threats persist, particularly from commercial fishing of the fish populations that penguins feed on - primarily sardines and anchovies.
We caught up with Nicky Stander, Head of Conservation at the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) to give us a deep dive into the life of the African penguin, why it is at significant risk of extinction, and the efforts being undertaken to save the species.
Could you tell us about SANCCOB, its history, and what the organisation does?
SANCCOB, the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, was established in 1968 and has since been at the forefront of seabird conservation, focusing particularly on the endangered African penguin. The organisation operates from two primary locations in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape of South Africa and aims to reverse the decline of seabird populations through a multifaceted conservation approach.
These include colony monitoring, rescue, rehabilitation, and release of seabirds, artificial egg incubation and chick rearing, preparedness and response to oil spills, scientific research, conservation consultancy, and education programmes. SANCCOB has been instrumental in responding to major environmental disasters, including oil spills, mass abandonment due to extreme weather events, and disease outbreaks, which have significantly impacted seabird populations. Over the years, SANCCOB has treated tens of thousands of seabirds and played a key role in safeguarding the future of endangered species like the African penguin.
What is Unique About The African Penguin?
The African penguin is unique in many ways. It is the only species of penguin found on the African continent, setting it apart from other penguin species typically associated with colder climates like Antarctica. Known for its distinctive black-and-white plumage and expressive facial features, the African penguin is highly social and often forms lifelong pair bonds. These birds are also adept swimmers, diving to significant depths to catch their preferred prey of sardines and anchovies.
However, what truly makes them unique is their status as a crucial indicator species for the health of South Africa’s marine ecosystems. Their population trends reflect broader environmental issues, particularly those related to overfishing and climate change. The African penguin’s playful and engaging behaviour makes it a beloved symbol of South Africa’s coastal wildlife, attracting tourists and providing economic benefits through eco-tourism.
What Role Does the Species Play in The Diversity and Ecosystem of Their Environment?
African penguins play a vital role in the marine ecosystems where they live. As specialised predators, they help regulate the populations of smaller fish, such as sardines and anchovies, which are essential not only to penguins but to a wide variety of marine species, including larger predatory fish, birds, and marine mammals. This makes them key players in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.
Their presence also supports biodiversity, as penguins’ foraging habits help to sustain the populations of their prey, which in turn influences the overall food web. Moreover, African penguins contribute to the nutrient cycles within their habitats. On land, their guano enriches the soil in coastal areas, indirectly supporting plant and insect life. Thus, their decline poses significant risks not only to marine biodiversity but also to the health of the broader ecosystem.
Please Give the Reasons for The Penguins Being Endangered and On The Verge of Extinction?
The African penguin is currently facing a dire situation, having lost over 97% of its population, and it could be extinct in the wild by 2035 if current trends continue. The primary threat to these penguins is a severe decline in their food supply, primarily caused by commercial purse-seine fishing, which targets sardines and anchovies—both critical to the penguin’s diet.
This commercial fishing has led to food shortages, leaving penguins starving and unable to breed successfully. Other significant threats include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and oil spills, all of which contribute to their declining numbers. African penguins are now listed as endangered, and their breeding pairs have dropped below 10,000, a critical threshold that could lead to further population collapse. Additionally, the species is on the verge of being classified as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List.
Can You Explain the Scientific Study That Evaluated The Effectiveness Of The Current No-Take Zones Where Fishing is Prohibited ?
A recent scientific study, led by researchers including Dr Alistair McInnes from BirdLife South Africa and Dr Richard Sherley from the University of Exeter, evaluated the effectiveness of no-take zones (areas where fishing is prohibited) around six major African penguin colonies.
These zones were designed to reduce competition between penguins and the commercial purse-seine fishing industry. The study found that, while the no-take zones have had some positive effects in helping restore fish populations, they are insufficient and biologically meaningless for African penguins.
Less than 50% of the core feeding areas for penguins at four of the six colonies remain open to fishing, which means penguins are still struggling to find adequate food. The researchers recommended expanding these no-take zones to cover more of the penguins’ key foraging areas. They also suggested that these expansions could be implemented with minimal economic impact on the fishing industry, providing a balanced approach that would benefit both penguins and fish stocks in the long term.
What Actions Have Been Taken To Prevent Or Reduce Further Decline In the Penguin Numbers, and How Can People Help To Contribute Towards Protecting Our African Penguins?
SANCCOB and the Blue Marine Foundation are actively engaged in raising awareness through educational campaigns, media outreach, and public petitions. For people looking to contribute to the protection of African penguins, there are a variety of ways to help. One of the most impactful methods is through SANCCOB’s “Adopt a Penguin” programme, which offers a tangible way to support our conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Advocacy is another powerful tool that individuals can use to help protect African penguins. By supporting petitions like the OnlyOne petition (https://only.one/ act/save-african-penguins), which calls for expanded no-take zones and greater protections for penguins, the public can help to encourage governments to enact the changes needed to safeguard these endangered birds.
The collective efforts of governments, conservation organisations, and individuals are essential to ensure the survival of the African Penguin. Through legal action, hands-on rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and public engagement, SANCCOB and its partners continue to fight for the future of these iconic birds. With the support of concerned citizens around the world, we can create a safer, more sustainable environment for African Penguins and help prevent their extinction.
