💨 Abstract

African penguins off South Africa's coast are facing severe starvation due to food shortages, with some populations declining by 95% in eight years. The global breeding pairs have dropped to fewer than 10,000, leading to a critical endangered status. The decline is attributed to overfishing and environmental changes affecting sardine populations, a primary food source. Conservation efforts include fishing bans and artificial nests, but tourism also poses a threat.

Courtesy: AFP