Helping Penguins Fly!

Health Survey

It is important to develop a comprehensive understanding of penguin health as factors such as disease and toxins may result in the population being less resilient to known threats such as food reduction, climate change and habitat disruption.

Between 2018 and 2019, an epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) killed hundreds of penguins in South Africa and Namibia. This was the first time such an epidemic was observed. We need to survey the population to determine if this virus – or indeed, other pathogens - may be present. To do this, we will collect samples from a representative number of penguins at their colonies and test these in the laboratory. In addition, each birds will get a full health check while we are there! We will also undertake a longer-term survey of birds received at SANCCOB, the main rehabilitation centre in Cape Town.

Toxic Chemical Survey

Pollutants from human activities – agricultural and industrial chemicals, personal care or medical products, or even medicines – reach our oceans through sewage effluent, agricultural run-off or waste- water. They might be organic pollutants (POPS), compounds of emerging concern (CECs) or toxic metals. At low concentrations, these chemicals cause little apparent harm, but they can be absorbed by fish and accumulate in their tissues. These fish might then be consumed by birds and people and the chemicals absorbed into their tissues, where - if they accumulate in sufficient concentrations – may lead to hormone imbalances, tissue damage or antimicrobial resistance.

African penguins’ diet consists of fish, squid and crustaceans, which are constantly exposed to the polluted seawater. Penguins’ water source is also seawater, so they might be directly or indirectly exposed and accumulating these environmental contaminants. We need to determine if these POPS or CECs are present in the tissues of penguins and if so, how they affect cells very sensitive to such contaminants – sperms cells or cells from the testes. If these are being compromised, they will have a negative effect on the breeding success of the penguins. We will test penguin carcasses collected from around the southern African coast.

Monitoring

Seabirds are highly susceptible to alterations in their environment and show rapid changes in breeding or survival. They are thus valuable sentinels of ecosystem health and biodiversity. An unusual increase in the numbers of dead birds washing up on beaches was the first indication of the avian influenza epidemic among seabirds in South Africa in 2018. It highlighted the need for an early-warning system to alert government and conservation agencies of an adverse event and thus the need for prompt action. We will explore how a mobile application (“App”) can be used by people who walk beaches and coastlines to monitor what is “normal” and report all sightings. The App will also be offered to other agencies to facilitate reporting of other species such as whales, dolphins and turtles; it can also assist with the timely rescue of sick or injured animals.

We will also assess how unmanned aerial vehicles – or drones as they are called – can assist with monitoring breeding colonies. Estimating the number of birds at such locations is important but may be hampered by the terrain or remoteness of the site. Solar-powered drones might be the answer – but we need to assess the legal framework as well as practical matters such as disturbance to the penguins, accuracy of the data and logistical feasibility.

Modelling

Population-centered computer models are mathematical simulations used to show future trends in population evolution and predict the impact of both risk and preventive factors. One model in 2000 predicted the extinction of the African penguin population in the absence of preservation plans or immigration to maintain the population. More recent models have looked at population dynamics, the effects of pollution and fish availability, or the impact of no-fishing zones. Depressingly, the published models all show a decline in the African penguin population over the next years.

The epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza and subsequent population decline in penguins in South Africa in 2018 and in Namibia in 2019 highlighted the need to - in more detail - investigate the influence of diseases and chemical contaminants on the African penguin population dynamics. It also demonstrated the importance to include all stakeholders in the interpretation of results and implementation of science-driven measures urgently needed for penguin population conservation.

A network of epidemiologists, statisticians and modellers will review existing models, develop new algorithms to account for health-related data and assess knowledge gaps that should be filled for future modelling. Model outcomes will be communicated to stakeholders to shape conservation policy.

Stakeholder Assessment

Many people are impacted by African penguins. There are those directly involved in their conservation, working in government or an NGO to researchers and local officials. There are people who live close to penguin colonies or fishermen who are impacted by regulations. Then there are those further afield – the great public! – who may be ignorant of the decline in the penguin population but might be keen to assist if they knew more. All these groups are stakeholders, whose actions or opinions can influence the conservation strategies directed at preserving this declining population of Africa’s only penguin.

We will survey these different groups to determine their level of knowledge and beliefs concerning African penguins. We will collect data through online questionnaires, interviews and discussion groups, and make the results known to the relevant authorities.

Population crash

Factors impacting on African penguin health and survival

Historically, man-made influences, especially guano and egg collection as well over-fishing, were the major cause of the penguins’ decline and some of these continue (for example, oil spills and industrial fishing of their main prey).

The graphic at the top shows what’s left of the population compared to 100 years ago – less than three percent! The diagram below shows the many influences that contributed historically, or still today, to the sustainability of penguin colonies.

What we don't know...

Here’s another diagram showing the impacts of different factors on a population of African penguins on Dyer Island, South Africa.

From: K Ludynia, LJ Waller, RB Sherley, F Abadi, Y Galada, D Geldenhuys, RJM Crawford, LJ Shannon & A Jarre (2014) Processes influencing the population dynamics and conservation of African penguins on Dyer Island, South Africa, African Journal of Marine Science, 36:2, 253-267, DOI: 10.2989/1814232X.2014.929027

This poignant photograph was taken by photographer Thomas Peschak in 2012 on Halifax Island, Namibia, showing part of the island then (where the population was less than 2000 birds) in contrast to a photograph at the same location, taken by Hermann Schlueter in the 1890s (when the population likely exceeded 100 000). The historic photograph was from a post-card in the Luderitz Museum, photographed by Dr Jessica Kemper. The picture has been used here with permission from Thomas and Jessica, who own the copyright, and should not be re-used without their permission.