African Penguins and Their Habitat on Dyer Island in South Africa (00003440)

Description: The African Penguins, also known as Spheniscus demersus, breed on Dyer Island, located six sea miles off the coast of Gansbaai in South Africa. The ruins of a former guano station are still visible on the island. Seal beaters and penguin hunters arrived on the island after the guano supplies were depleted. Until 1919, penguins were ruthlessly killed for their oil. The population of African Penguins in South Africa declined significantly due to overfishing. These endangered species are fully protected under the Washington Endangered Species Act. Dyer Island is home to diverse fauna and flora, with only a conservationist and sporadic biologist residing there.

Location: Western Cape, Dyer Island, South Africa

Date of Capture: 13.05.2001