The fight to save the penguins

Managing the last three remaining colonies of African penguins in the country, SA National Parks (SANParks) has committed to wage a concerted effort to stabilise and increase the species population.

In marking World Penguin Day on Friday, SANParks said it wanted to grow and preserve the iconic seabird for future generations, steering it away from the brink of extinction.

The special day is celebrated annually on 25 April to highlight the unique characteristics and conservation challenges faced by penguins globally. 

Two of thecolonies, consisting of about 3 000 breeding pairs, are found in the Addo Elephant National Park marine protected area, at the St Croix and Bird Islands. 

According to SANParks head of communications JP Louw, the biodiversity management plan (BMP) for African penguins has ensured “a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders, including conservation NGOS (non-governmental organisations) and government agencies like the department of forestry, fisheries and environment (DFFE)”.

Louw said the Spheniscus demersus was native to the southern and southwestern coasts of the continent and “currently standing out due to the significant conservation efforts currently underway to protect it”.

No-fishing zones

“In a landmark development last month, the DFFE, South African conservationists and fishing industry groups, agreed to establish no-fishing zones around six major African penguin breeding colonies. 

“SANParks, as a lead colony manager, plays a crucial role in managing penguin populations at key breeding sites.

“The BMP includes habitat restoration, installation and monitoring of artificial nest structures and managing predation in the colonies.

“Joint initiatives also focus on penguin monitoring, including tracking population dynamics, assessing breeding success and rehabilitating injured or sick birds,” said Louw.

He said efforts were “further supported by public awareness campaigns, promoting sustainable practices among local communities and tourists”.

No mining in national parks

Meanwhile, Louw said SANParks has “taken note of reports related to Kropz Elandsfontein (Pty) Limited, requesting to explore the possibility of de-proclamation of a portion of land that is part of the West Coast National Park”.

“SANParks cannot allow any mining activities within a declared national park, as this is prohibited under section 48(1)(a) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 57 of 2003.

“We have communicated this official position to Kropz and other relevant stakeholders,” he said.