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African Penguins in Peril

10,000 Birds

On the mainland they face predation from domestic cats, dogs, genets, mongoose and Cape Gulls which steal their chicks and eggs. In 2009 the population was recorded as 20,699 pairs. Part of the 3,000 strong penguin colony at Boulders Beach, Cape Town. In 1979 the South African population was estimated at 56,900 pairs.

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Filling the Gap Left By DeBooy’s Rail

10,000 Birds

Back in 2009, Tai Haku sent us a fascinating post exploring a question that ecologists worldwide grapple with: can the translocation of rare species into niches left empty by extinction be successful or justified? Clapper Rails Rallus longirostris. Photos © Tai Haku. Guam Rail Gallirallus owstoni.