Tips on how to save the penguins
A recent study reveals that penguins are in grave danger of becoming extinct if we don’t take action.
PENGUINS are charismatic, flightless seabirds that put a smile on our faces as they waddle determinedly about. These endearing creatures touch the hearts of many and epitomise what marine conservation is all about.
These sentiments are shared by Ann Kunz of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) based at uShaka Marine World, Durban, as the globe observes World Penguin Awareness Day today (January 20). Kunz also shares some tips for people to help save the penguins since they are in grave danger of becoming extinct.
Also read: uShaka Sea World’s penguin colony welcomes new addition
A recent Birdlife International Study reveals that over half the world’s penguin species are in grave danger of becoming extinct unless we take action now. The study mentions that penguin numbers have declined at such an alarming rate, and they are now the second-most threatened seabird group in the world after albatrosses.
The study alludes that it is estimated that more than 400 000 seabirds, including penguins, are caught in gillnets each year. According to the study, the top five threats to penguins include overfishing, plastic pollution, industrial development, invasive predators and climate change.
Kunz believes that this day is an ideal opportunity to highlight the urgency of protecting the home of these incredible creatures. “Penguins depend on healthy oceans to thrive. It is up to us, as responsible humans, to do what we can to ensure that the oceans are free of plastic. Although so many threats are facing the penguins, a number of them are not directly in the hands of ordinary people,” she says.
Here are tips for the public to help save the penguins:
- Put your litter in a bin.
- Pick up other people’s litter and throw it in the bin.
- Separate litter for easy recycling.
- Reduce your carbon emissions.
- Only eat seafood that comes from well-managed, sustainable fisheries.
- Avoid overfishing or using a net when fishing.
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