Cape Town, South Africa – Endangered African penguins along South Africa’s coast are facing a severe population decline, with some colonies losing up to 95 percent of birds in just eight years. A recent study by the University of Exeter and the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment highlighted this alarming trend.
Fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs of African penguins remain globally. The species was classified as critically endangered last year by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Scientists warn that if the current decline continues, the species could vanish from the wild by 2035.
The study focused on two major breeding colonies near Cape Town that collapsed between 2004 and 2011. Approximately 62,000 birds are believed to have died during that period. Co-author Richard Sherley explained that sardine populations, a key food source for the penguins, were consistently below 25 percent of their peak abundance.
The decline in sardines is linked to both fishing practices and environmental changes, including shifts in water temperature and salinity. “This appears to have caused severe food shortages for African penguins, leading to the estimated loss of about 62,000 breeding individuals,” Sherley said.
Over the past 30 years, the global population of African penguins has dropped by nearly 80 percent. Conservation measures are underway, including commercial fishing bans around six colonies, artificial nests, and efforts to establish new breeding sites. Robben and Dassen islands are among the key locations under protection.
Tourism plays a dual role in penguin conservation. Thousands of visitors are attracted to colonies each year, supporting local economies. However, the presence of tourists can also disturb the birds and increase stress levels. Authorities are balancing conservation with eco-tourism to protect these vulnerable seabirds.
Scientists emphasize urgent action is needed to stabilize and increase African penguins populations. Without continued conservation efforts, these iconic birds could disappear from South African shores within the next decade.
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