Cape Gannet Population Soars Past 43,000 at Lambert’s Bay Bird Island.
Image: Supplied.
Bird Island is currently hosting an estimated over 43,000 Cape Gannets, a thriving colony that cements the island’s status as one of South Africa’s most vital gannet breeding sites and underscores the success of ongoing marine conservation efforts.
The sustained strong presence of gannets on the island is a significant positive indicator, with the population having increased well into the 40,000s over the past year. This marks a substantial growth compared to the previous five years, during which the numbers consistently remained in the 30,000s.
This notable surge is attributed not only to local breeding success but also suggests that gannets from other colonies are choosing Bird Island as their preferred breeding location. "This kind of sustained occupancy is a positive sign for the species and for the marine environment that supports them,” said Dr. Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature. “Large, stable gannet colonies like the one on Bird Island are important indicators of ocean health along the West Coast.
These seabirds rely on healthy marine ecosystems for their nutrition and breeding success, so when we see them in large numbers, it reflects a positive conservation outcome.”
The Cape Gannet is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and Vulnerable on the SANBI Red List. The conservation team is encouraged by this strong showing, particularly given the historical challenges the colony has faced, including a devastating incident in December 2005 when on-land seal predation caused the entire colony to abandon the island.
CapeNature successfully implemented careful management and mitigation measures, including the use of bird decoys, to lure the birds back and enable the colony to rebuild. The current season is showing early signs of being one of the strongest fledging seasons in years, with 7,647 fledglings recorded to date, and several weeks of the season still remaining. In partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), rangers have also ringed 750 gannet chicks and 250 adult birds this season, contributing essential data to national seabird research and monitoring programmes.
Bird Island also remains home to a diverse array of other seabirds, including Cape, Crowned and White-breasted Cormorants, Common and Greater Crested Terns, Hartlaub’s Gulls, and Kelp Gulls. Adding to the spectacle, a moulting penguin has also taken up a temporary residence within the gannet colony.With improved visitor facilities and recently updated interpretive signage, Bird Island continues to be a must-see destination along the West Coast for birders and nature enthusiasts eager to witness one of South Africa’s great seabird spectacles.
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