| Population status Jackass
Penguins are considered a vulnerable species. The present population of around 160 000
birds is down from 1.2 million inthe early 1920s. For example, Dassen Island, off
Yzerfontein north of Cape Town, may have once sheltered over 1 million penguins. It now
has only about 30 000 birds. Indications are that the decline in populations may be
continuing.
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Eggs of the Jackass Penguin were once
collected extensively to feed sailors on ships. |
Reasons given for the decline include:
- harvesting of eggs;
- removal of guano from nesting sites;
- increased populations of Cape Fur Seals;
- human disturbance during breeding;
- overfishing and reduction in food supply;
- oil spills.
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Two Jackass Penguins discussing
South African politics.
Well-known guardian of the Jackass Penguin colony at Boulders
Beach moves the rope which separates tourists from penguins as the tide advances.
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