SANCCOB’s experts rescue penguins with critical care and surgery. Image: BBC
(The Post News)- The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds has been providing vital care for the now critically endangered species, the African penguins. Despite rescuing 2,000 seabirds a year, SANCCOB faces an uphill battle to save the species without addressing environmental sustainability.
Â
SANCCOB’s seabird veterinarian, Dr. David Roberts, who has been treating African penguins and other seabirds since 2017, has noted the organization’s profound impact and has described his work as an opportunity to contribute to conserving endangered species. Dr. Roberts and his team handle everything from wound treatments to complex surgeries and have explained that some birds need multiple procedures before they are ready for release. Dr. Roberts also stated that one bird had needed 13 surgeries.
Â
The work of SANCCOB goes beyond medical treatment as conservation teams rescue and rehabilitate penguins in the wild, raise chicks, educate communities, and engage with environmental partners. Volunteers, interns, and first responders play a crucial role in seabird rescues and daily care, providing essential support. The African penguin is facing a catastrophic 7.9% yearly decline in South Africa, leaving only 8,300 breeding pairs. Key factors are habitat destruction and reduced availability of crucial prey species, such as sardines and anchovies, caused by commercial fishing near breeding sites.
Â
Studies have revealed that the establishment of no-take fishing zones is proven to be insufficient, which puts the species at risk by 2035. Dr. Roberts has emphasized that the penguin’s plight is an urgent call to action. He says that now is the time for all sectors to unite to save the planet. The alert emphasizes the far-reaching environmental concerns plaguing South Africa’s marine ecosystems, putting the future of vulnerable seabird populations at risk.
Â
SANCCOB’s seabird veterinarian, Dr. David Roberts, who has been treating African penguins and other seabirds since 2017, has noted the organization’s profound impact and has described his work as an opportunity to contribute to conserving endangered species. Dr. Roberts and his team handle everything from wound treatments to complex surgeries and have explained that some birds need multiple procedures before they are ready for release. Dr. Roberts also stated that one bird had needed 13 surgeries.
Â
The work of SANCCOB goes beyond medical treatment as conservation teams rescue and rehabilitate penguins in the wild, raise chicks, educate communities, and engage with environmental partners. Volunteers, interns, and first responders play a crucial role in seabird rescues and daily care, providing essential support. The African penguin is facing a catastrophic 7.9% yearly decline in South Africa, leaving only 8,300 breeding pairs. Key factors are habitat destruction and reduced availability of crucial prey species, such as sardines and anchovies, caused by commercial fishing near breeding sites.
Â
Studies have revealed that the establishment of no-take fishing zones is proven to be insufficient, which puts the species at risk by 2035. Dr. Roberts has emphasized that the penguin’s plight is an urgent call to action. He says that now is the time for all sectors to unite to save the planet. The alert emphasizes the far-reaching environmental concerns plaguing South Africa’s marine ecosystems, putting the future of vulnerable seabird populations at risk.
About the Author
