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Can South Africa save the African Penguin before time runs out?
Conservationists are working against the clock to conserve the African Penguin, which is now classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
In South Africa’s coastal streets, ranger Mashudu Mashau spends his days on an odd mission: saving penguins. He approaches these endangered seabirds calmly, securing them before sending them for treatment. Despite his determination, Mashau and other conservationists are working against the clock to conserve the African Penguin, which is now classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Their numbers are dropping alarmingly—from 42,500 breeding pairs in 1991 to fewer than 10,000 today—putting them on a path to possible extinction in the wild by 2035, according to BirdLife International. The reasons are complex, ranging from food scarcity and climate change to human disturbances and pollution. “Many penguins are simply starving,” marine biologist Allison Kock from the South African National Parks told AFP, highlighting the dire consequences of dwindling fish stocks, particularly sardines and anchovies, which are critical for penguin survival.
“…There’s only about 10,000 breeding pairs left in South Africa and Namibia. Where they occur means we’ve lost 97% of the population and the species could become extinct within my lifetime…” Kock explained.
In response, authorities have implemented a 10-year fishing ban around certain penguin colonies. However, environmental groups, including the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), argue that these no-fishing zones are too small to make a real difference. SANCCOB, along with BirdLife, has even taken legal action, pushing for larger protected areas to reduce competition between industrial fishing and penguins.
The fishing industry, represented by the South African Pelagic Fishing Industry Association, contends that fishing has only a minor impact on penguin food sources, pointing to other environmental challenges affecting the species. A court hearing is scheduled for March 2025, but conservationists fear it may be too late for the endangered birds.
Meanwhile, increased tourism has added to the problem. Visitors flocking to South Africa’s penguin colonies bring in revenue but also cause stress to these sensitive animals. “Tourists with selfie sticks are a growing concern,” said Arne Purves, a coastal conservation officer in Cape Town, speaking to AFP.
Despite the challenges, Mashau remains hopeful. “Penguins are indicators of a healthy ecosystem,” he said, noting that a thriving penguin population benefits not just wildlife but humans, too. With rhinos once at the center of conservation attention, he hopes the spotlight will now help turn the tide for the African Penguin.
Kock also stresses the urgency and importance of taking action to save the African Penguin from extinction. She said “securing the penguins’ food source is a critical step” in preventing further population decline.
