The Penguin Islands
The Penguin Islands are a group
of scattered island off the coast of Namibia. They are so named due to the large
populations of African Penguins which inhabit the islands. The species is
listed as endangered and there are approximately 29,000 adult individuals in
Namibia. Of these, 5,500 are breeding pairs. The penguins found in Namibia represent
20% of the total global population.
However, these populations are largely at risk. It is estimated that a single oil spill between Mercury and Ichaboe Islands would threaten over 70% of the Namibian penguin populations. Five of the islands including Mercury Island, the largest of the Penguin Islands, are designated IBA’s or Important Bird Areas. Enforcement of the rules pertaining to the Marine Resources Act and Namibian Islands' Marine Protected Area is crucial to the protection of this species.
Above: Image from Mercury Island.
-Stephanie Sila
Can people go to visit the penguins or are they kept isolated for protection? -Mini
ReplyDeleteDo international Important Bird Areas exist or is this unique to Namibia?
ReplyDeleteWhat are the exact reasons for the endangerment of the African Penguins species? (Besides human risks, like oil spills) - Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteI always forget that there are penguins in South Africa. I always associate them with antarctica.
ReplyDelete