Fecal glucocorticoid analysis as a health monitoring tool for endangered African penguins (Spheniscus demersus)
African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) are an endangered species, with approximately 70,000 mature adults remaining in the wild. Population loss is linked to a combination of environmental and anthropogenic stressors. The aim of the study was to validate a commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to assess adrenal activity and measure the response to stressors in the […]
The effect of flipper banding on the breeding success of African Penguins Spheniscus demersus at Boulders Beach, South Africa
Concerns have been expressed over the impact of flipper banding on the survival and reproductive performance of penguins. This study compared the breeding success of banded and unbanded African Penguins Spheniscus demersus at Boulders Beach, South Africa, in 2006. It was based on 100 nests; 50 had at least one banded adult and 50 had […]
Review of the rescue, rehabilitation and restoration of oiled seabirds in South Africa, especially African penguins Spheniscus demersus and Cape gannets Morus capensis, 1983-2005
South Africa is a global hotspot for oil pollution. The regional oiled seabird cleaning centre, the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), has handled over 50 000 seabirds from its inception in 1968 until 2005. The majority of seabirds oiled in South Africa are African penguins Spheniscus demersus, followed by Cape […]
Diseases acquired by captive penguins: What happens when they are released into the wild?
The possibility of diseases being picked up by penguins and other birds during captivity and the effects which could follow if such birds are released into the wild are discussed. Ways of mitigating such problems are suggested for the African Penguin Spheniscus demersus.
African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) Can Detect Dimethyl Sulphide, a Prey-Related Odour
Although it is well established that certain procellariiform seabirds use odour cues to find prey, it is not clear whether penguins use olfactory cues to forage. It is commonly assumed that penguins lack a sense of smell, yet they are closely related to procellariiforms and forage on similar types of prey in similar areas to […]