Scientists Believe They Have Identified the Cause of Death for 60,000 Penguins on 2 Remote Islands

More than 60,000 African penguins have died on islands off South Africa over an eight-year span, a recent study reveals. Research conducted by the University of Exeter in collaboration with the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment sheds light on the decline that led to the species being labeled "critically endangered" in 2024.

The investigation focused on Dassen Island and Robben Island, two of the most crucial breeding grounds for African penguins. Findings indicate that over 95% of the penguin populations on these islands perished between 2004 and 2012.

Experts suggest that starvation was the primary driver of the mass deaths, caused by dramatic reductions in food availability. Approximately 62,000 penguins died during the years when sardine populations off South Africa's west coast remained below 25% of their historical peak, creating severe food shortages, according to co-author Dr. Richard Sherley.

The penguins molting process also contributed to mortality rates. During molting, penguins must stay on land while shedding old feathers and growing new ones, a period lasting around 21 days during which they cannot hunt. Sherley explained that penguins rely on stored fat and muscle protein to survive this fast. If food is scarce before or immediately after molting, the birds lack sufficient reserves to endure the process.

Over the past 30 years, African penguins have experienced an estimated 80% decline in their global population. Conservation efforts are being implemented to slow this trend, including artificial nesting sites, predator management, and the rescue and rehabilitation of both adults and chicks. Additionally, commercial fishing restrictions have been imposed near South Africas six largest breeding colonies to protect sardine stocks.

Sherley emphasized that limiting sardine exploitation when biomass drops below 25% of its maximum, combined with existing conservation measures, may help stabilize populations and allow the species to recover.

Author's Commentary: The Urgent Plight of African Penguins

The recent study highlighting the deaths of over 60,000 African penguins on Dassen and Robben Islands underscores a critical conservation crisis. The scale of the decline between 2004 and 2012, with over 95% of local populations perishing, reflects the fragility of the species in the face of food scarcity.

Starvation, primarily due to historically low sardine populations, emerges as the leading cause. The timing of these shortages, particularly around the penguins' molting period when they cannot feed, amplified mortality rates. This demonstrates how closely African penguins’ survival is linked to ecosystem health and fishery management.

Conservation measures, including artificial nesting, predator control, and fishing restrictions, are essential but require strict enforcement and monitoring. Dr. Richard Sherley’s recommendation to limit sardine harvesting when biomass falls below 25% of its peak provides a concrete threshold that could support population recovery.

While the numbers are alarming, coordinated action offers a path toward stabilizing and eventually rebuilding African penguin populations. The study serves as both a warning and a roadmap: without continued intervention, the “critically endangered” status risks becoming permanent.

Sources:

• 60,000 Penguins Died on 2 Remote Islands - and Scientists Think They Now Know the Reason Why

Author: Logan Reeves
Logan Reeves is a sports analyst and journalist. He writes match reviews, conducts athlete interviews, and produces data-driven predictions.