Introduction: The Dark Truth of the Shores
The dramatic decline in the number of African penguins living off the coast of South Africa is not just a matter of numbers. food shortageWhen the fluctuations in sardine stocks triggered by climate change and the penguins’ provocative molt season come together, the race against time begins for this species to survive. Large-scale studies carried out by the University of Exter and the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Dassen IslandAnd Robben IslandIt brought to light the significant losses recorded in the colonies between 2004 and 2012. In this context, approximately The total population of 62 thousand penguinsIt appears that more than 95% of them died during this period.
This health crisis is not just caused by hunger; At the same time, due to the molting period, penguins have to swim for about about 21 daysIt includes a critical process for which he prepares throughout. As old feathers are shed and new feathers are formed, the necessity of strengthening the puppies’ fat stores becomes necessary. fat reservesIf they are not strong enough or cannot find food quickly after molting, their chances of survival are severely reduced. In the last three decades the global population of African penguins has increased by approximately 80%decreased by; This represents a situation that should cause red alert for the species globally.
Breaking the food chain, is reinforced by the fact that sardines, the main food source of penguins, remain below historical averages. This situation increases the pressure on the colonies’ nesting and production areas and necessitates the urgent and effective implementation of conservation interventions.
