A project has been launched in South Africa to create a home for African shore penguins, (yay!) whose numbers have declined in recent years ????.
African penguins are found in southwest Africa ????, inhabiting twenty-four islands from the central coast of Namibia to Algoa Bay on the east coast of South Africa. These penguins are small, black and white, and sound like a donkey *starts braying*. They are excellent swimmers with their wing-like fins, webbed feet, and rough water. They are easily recognized by the redness of the skin above the eyes, which helps regulate body temperature. Interestingly, each penguin has a unique style that helps them recognize people and each other (so cuteeeee).
Unfortunately, the population of these beautiful penguins has decreased by more than 95% since the time of introduction, and the species is classified as endangered *sobs hysterically* (“African penguin”). They have been on the endangered species list for decades, but their numbers are declining. “It is estimated that there will be 20,000 breeding pairs in 2019, from 1.5million to 3 million in 1900” (these small ceramic pots). Penguins generally use the guano (poop! ????), which is mainly collected from shrimp and shrimp, as cover to protect themselves and their eggs. Penguins drop off the guano beds that cover parts of the beach and build nests to raise their young. But in the 19th century, traders began collecting and selling guano, as it is a very effective fertilizer, and this provided the penguin with hot sun and prey.
In response, conservationists established the African Penguin Nest project. According to its website, “Penguin populations have declineddramatically over the past century due to habitat destruction, fishing, oil spills, global climate change, and competition for food from commercial fisheries.” The African Penguin Nest Project aims to build and distribute special nests that penguins can use to raise their young *round of applause.*
A CNN article described their nest-building work, saying, “At first glance, they are very simple—a dome-shaped structure made of two shells covered with a layer of ceramic about eight inches wide.” It took years as Graham and other scientists carefully studied ancient guano nests and did their best to “prepare” Mother Nature. The eggs can be stored between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius ????️ so they learn to use the color white to represent the sun and start their laying cycle in 2018.
“More than 500 nests ???? ???? have been established on Dyer Island, off the coast of the Western Cape in South Africa, which is home to the largest colony of African penguins,” the same article says. Penguins love their new breed, and the Nest app says they have a 99% adoption rate.
The African Penguin Nest Project now has 1,500 nests in five penguin colonies in South Africa, with plans to expand to Namibia next year. Although the species is highly endangered, there is hope that conservationists are trying to find enough homes for its safekeeping. (Let’s go African Penguin Nest Project!! Whooooo!!!)
Material:
These little ceramic huts are helping endangered penguins and their chicks | CNN
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