Africa-Press – Lesotho. The African Penguin, once numbering in the millions, has now dwindled to fewer than 9,900 breeding pairs, raising fears it could vanish within a decade. Conservationists warn that overfishing of sardines and anchovies, combined with habitat loss and predators, is driving the species toward extinction.
At Stony Point colony near Cape Town, researchers are working to boost survival by using artificial nests.
Adrienne Johnson-Europa, Penguin Monitor:
A landmark court ruling this year forced South Africa’s government to establish no-fishing zones near key colonies, reducing competition for food during the breeding season.
Nicky Stander, Conservation Manager, SANCCOB:
Experts say stricter fishing limits will be crucial if Africa’s only penguin is to survive. For now, conservationists hope the legal victory will buy precious time to keep the species from disappearing forever.
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