Image related to website content

Collaborative Conservation benefits the Stony Point African Penguin Colony

24 Apr 2024

In the heart of Betty’s Bay lies the Stony Point African Penguin colony, a critical breeding ground for these beloved seabirds. This colony has become a beacon of hope thanks to the collaborative efforts of several key partners: CapeNature, SANCCOB, Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT)/African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-SA), and the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Together, these entities have implemented an integrated programme that has positively impacted the local penguin population.

CapeNature is the overall management authority, coordinating the partnership and ensuring that all the planning and initiatives are effective. SANCCOB provides medical care and rehabilitation for the penguins that need it, as well as additional support as necessary. DICT/APSS has been instrumental in supporting breeding habitat restoration by providing artificial nest boxes and other technology. The organisation also helps with habitat restoration crucial to the survival of the penguins.

WWF-SA's community coastal monitors programme has been a game-changer, providing qualified youth to support and implement management interventions on-site at Stony Point and in the Bettys Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA). These monitors are essential in protecting the penguin colony, ensuring that threats are mitigated and the population remains stable.

The Kogelberg Biosphere Marine Working Group has helped with coordination and communication with stakeholders and key role players. This has helped ensure that all parties with a vested interest are informed and engaged in the conservation efforts.

The local On the Edge restaurant provides visitors with a pleasant dining experience after they visit the Stony Point colony. This not only enhances the visitor experience but also helps to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility in the community.

World Penguin Day is celebrated on 25 April every year to raise awareness about these magnificent seabirds and the challenges they face. Penguins are beloved by the public for their unique appearance, playful behaviour, and the resilience they show in adapting to their surroundings. But they also face significant threats, like climate change, habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing.

Together, partnerships like these create enormous amounts of awareness for these seabirds, including initiatives like Penguin Palooza, which draws attention to the plight of the African Penguin. As we commemorate World Penguin Day, let’s be reminded that partnerships serve as an example of how collaboration and proactive conservation efforts can make a real difference in protecting our natural heritage for future generations.

Share:

Related News

Baboon website icon news
6 Dec 2024
Withdrawal of Litigation welcomed by Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team

The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, welcomes the decision by Ryno Engelbrecht, Baboon Matters, Beauty Without Cruelty and Jo-Ann Bosman to withdraw their litigation against the three authorities constituting the CPBMJTT.

Chanel Hauvette ACA Best Marine Ranger 2024
27 Nov 2024
CapeNature Marine Ranger shines bright at 2024 African Conservation Awards

Chanel Hauvette, Senior Marine Ranger at CapeNature’s Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area is the newly crowned winner of the “Best Marine Ranger” category of the 2024 African Conservation Awards.

Baboon icon
15 Nov 2024
Baboon rangers secured for December

The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, wants to inform communities from baboon-affected areas that NCC Environmental Services will be providing baboon ranger services during December. Read more below:

People Product081 1
1 Sep 2024
Spring into Serenity: Explore CapeNature’s Hidden Tranquil Outdoor Escapes!

As spring breathes new life into the landscape, it's the perfect time to explore CapeNature's captivating trails. With options suitable for hikers, walkers, or runners of all levels, you can enjoy the fresh air and vibrant scenery while creating lasting memories.

IMG 1503 beady eye
31 Aug 2024
Heroes, not Villains

7 September 2024 is International Vulture Awareness Day, and CapeNature will be celebrating all vultures everywhere but especially the Cape Vultures that call De Hoop Nature Reserve home.

Oj
31 Aug 2024 by Keith Spencer, July 2024
DFFE RAMSAR site visit and Ramsar information system (RIS) update

The Convention on Wetlands is a global intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975. South Africa, together with almost 90% of United Nations member states from all the world’s geographic regions, have agreed to become “Contracting Parties” committing to designating sites as Wetlands of International Importance.