Table Mountain National Park

Research and Projects

Saving the Endangered African Penguin at Boulders

Penguin Nests

Natural Nests (Surface)

• Risks
  • Rain
  • Wind & Sand
  • Sun (heat)
  • Predation (Kelp gulls, mongoose, seal, otter, cats, genet)
  • Injuries (fighting)

Natural Nests (Burrows)

• Problems
  • Soil texture (sandy coastline – little stability)
  • No significant guano deposits
    

Formacrete Nest Box

• Installation – 2003 (62 boxes)
• Benefit
  • Emulates “burrow” function & shape
  • Shelter against
    • Predation
    • Weather
  • Nests increase site breeding capacity (shorter distance between nests – less direct contact
  • Previously unused areas can now be used
  • Increased breeding success through reduction in risk factors

Nest Placement

• Facing down slope – rain
• Previously used areas and new
• Open and forested area

Concerns about presently-used nest boxes

• Size
  • Suitable for 2 young chicks and 1 adult
  • When chicks grow older – box becomes too small
  • Penguins cannot stand up in nest box

New Penguin Nest Boxes

 

• Longer and larger than Boulders nest boxes
• Fiberglass mix
• Larger opening – penguin is able to stand
• Same protection as current nest boxes
• More “breathing” holes
• Strong enough to be covered if required
• Emulates natural burrow

Nest Box Monitoring Results

Year	2004	2005	2006	2007
Unoccupied nest	12	14	13	15
Occupied nest	49	47	48	46
% Occupancy	80%	77%	78%	75%
Successful breeding attempt	33	25	27	20
Unsuccessful breeding attempt	16	22	21	26
% Success	54%	41%	44%	33%
No. chicks raised	54	40	49	31

Purchase a Penguin Nest Box and help preserve these beautiful creatures!

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