Study Links Massive African Penguin Deaths to Sardine Collapse

Study Links Massive African Penguin Deaths to Sardine Collapse
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More than 60,000 African penguins have died from starvation in colonies off South Africa’s coast as sardine stocks continue to collapse, according to a new scientific paper, The Guardian reported. The study found that more than 95% of penguins in two key breeding sites — Dassen Island and Robben Island — perished between 2004 and 2012, most likely during the annual moulting period when birds cannot feed and rely entirely on stored fat reserves.

Published in Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology, the research warns that the crisis extends far beyond these two colonies. Dr. Richard Sherley of the University of Exeter said similar population crashes are occurring across the species’ range, contributing to an overall decline of nearly 80% in African penguin numbers over the past three decades.

The study attributes the mass deaths to the sharp fall in sardine abundance, driven by shifting ocean temperatures, changes in salinity and sustained fishing pressure. Sardine biomass off western South Africa dropped to just a quarter of its maximum levels for most years since 2004, severely limiting a critical food source for penguins.

African penguins, now classified as critically endangered with fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remaining, require adequate feeding opportunities before and after moulting to survive. Conservationists have intensified efforts by providing artificial nests, managing predators and rescuing weakened birds.

South Africa has also banned purse-seine fishing around major breeding colonies to improve access to prey. Marine biologists say the findings underscore long-term mismanagement of small fish populations and call for urgent action to protect penguins and other species dependent on dwindling stocks.