They say love is forever, but for African Penguins \u201cmating for life\u201d might soon be a thing of the past, both romantically and literally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research indicates that the African Penguin is at risk of going extinct in the wild within the next 10 years. Recent studies show that current conservation measures are not enough to ensure their future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith an estimated population of less than 10 000 breeding pairs these endangered birds, among the smallest of all penguin species, are struggling to survive due to a shortage of their primary food sources ,\u201d a member of the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) said. \u201cSardines and anchovy stocks are dwindling as a result of climate change and commercial purse-seine fishing [a commercial fishing technique that is deployed to target a wide variety of marine species]. Food deprivation and starvation is contributing to a dramatic decline in African Penguin numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The current commercial fishing no-take zones in South Africa surround six African Penguin colonies that represent 76% of the global population. According to research these zones fail to protect important foraging areas for the penguins sufficiently, forcing them to compete with commercial purse seine fisheries for food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Simply put, African Penguins need to eat to survive. \u201cIf nothing changes African Penguins could disappear from the wild by 2035.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sanccob said the survival of this species is crucial for the following reasons:.<\/span> To protect our ocean: African Penguins are key indicators of healthy marine ecosystems. As specialised predators, they play a pivotal role in the marine food web..<\/span> To support livelihoods and public education African Penguins are a major draw for tourists, providing opportunities for people to learn about the species and marine environment. .<\/span> For global ocean advocacy: Defending African Penguins goes beyond saving a single species; it\u2019s about taking a stand for ecologically-sustainable fishing practices and ocean conservation worldwide. By protecting African Penguins the planet is being protected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \n De Hoop Nature Reserve<\/b>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n De Hoop Nature Reserve, where conservationists have created a land-predator-free zone, a new penguin colony is being created to give these birds a safer place to breed and raise their young. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy creating a safe space for them to breed in an area with a better food supply we are actively working to counter one of the biggest threats to their survival,\u201d said Christina Hagen, Pamela Isdell Fellow of Penguin Conservation at BirdLife South Africa. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" They say love is forever, but for African Penguins \u201cmating for life\u201d might soon be a thing of the past, both romantically and 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