News from S. African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds

African penguin numbers in rapid decline

Chanel September | Yesterday
 

The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds on Monday said the population of the African penguin is declining rapidly.

This worrying trend was discussed as part of International Tourism Day at Sanccob’s offices in Table View, Cape Town.

The foundation said in the last 10 years the population has shrunk by more than half.

Authorities recorded 200,000 African penguins in 2000 and today there are only 60,000 left.

The seabird rehabilitation centre said at least 10,000 die each year, mostly due to starvation.

CEO Venessa Strauss said they were doing everything in their power to prevent the birds from becoming extinct.

(Edited by Lisa Bartlett)

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