Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
10 November 2024 | 14:02 CAT

African penguins face extinction by 2035 without urgent action. (Cape Town ETC)

African penguins, beloved icons of South Africa’s coastline, face an impending threat of extinction. Conservationists warn that these charismatic seabirds could vanish from the wild without immediate intervention by 2035. The population has been in sharp decline, driven by a scarcity of their primary food sources, anchovy and sardine, due to overfishing and mismanagement of marine resources.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Dr Alistair McInnes, Seabird Conservation Program Manager at BirdLife South Africa, sheds light on the crisis: “African penguins rely heavily on small pelagic fish like sardines and anchovies. The rapid depletion of these stocks impacts not only penguins but also a host of other marine predators, from dolphins to essential fish species for coastal communities.”

Conservation efforts are now pushing for critical no-take zones around penguin colonies to allow fish populations to recover. “We’re advocating for no-fishing areas around the last six major penguin colonies, which comprise 76% of the global penguin population,” Dr McInnes explains. “These areas are vital for their survival, yet lack sufficient protection.”

Penguins serve as an important indicator species. Their decline signals deeper issues within the marine ecosystem. “The African penguin’s struggle reflects the overall health of our fish stocks and marine biodiversity,” Dr McInnes says. “This isn’t just about saving one species; it’s about ensuring a balanced marine environment for all coastal life and the communities that depend on it.”

Communities can play a significant role by supporting sustainable practices. Dr McInnes urges individuals to visit penguin colonies, learn about their plight, and support conservation initiatives. “There’s a petition circulating on Only One that calls for stronger protections for African penguins. The support of the public is crucial to encourage government action,” he adds.

Only one penguin colony in False Bay benefits from protection, a measure implemented in the 1980s. This colony remains relatively stable, underscoring the importance of protective policies. However, other colonies lack similar safeguards, leaving them vulnerable to fishing pressures.

Without rapid and decisive action, South Africa’s only penguin species could become extinct within a decade.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Dr Alistair McInnes here.