African Penguins and Rare Seabirds on Dyer Island in South Africa (00000592)

Description: The African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) can be found on Dyer Island in South Africa. The island is home to a variety of rare seabirds and is a protected nature reserve. The ruins of a former guano station once served as a breeding ground, before the island was invaded by seal hunters and penguin poachers. Today, sad remnants of that time can still be seen. The African Penguins were once hunted for their oil, leading to a significant decline in their population. Thankfully, this cruel practice was stopped in 1919. The population in South Africa decreased by over 50% between 1956 and 1978, mainly due to overfishing. Thanks to the Washington Treaty, the African Penguins are now a protected species. Dyer Island and its unique wildlife are safeguarded by a conservation officer and occasionally a biologist.

Location: Western Cape, Dyer Island, South Africa

Date of Capture: 12.05.2000