Oil pollution and penguins—Is cleaning justified? |
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| Authors: | RM Randall BM Randall J Bevan |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Zoology, University of Port Elizabeth, P.O. Box 1600, Port Elizabeth, 6000, South Africa;2. SANCCOB, P.O. Box 17, Ronderbosch, Cape, 7700, South Africa |
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| Abstract: | Oil pollution has been the main mortality factor of adult Jackass Penguins Spheniscus demersus found dead on St Croix Island, South Africa, over a year period. In July 1979, 150 oiled penguins found on the island were sent to the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) to assess the effectiveness of cleaning and rehabilitation attempts. Oil was removed with a detergent and in severe cases with liquid paraffin. The mortality rate before and during treatment was 32%. Once waterproof, the penguins were released at sea near Cape Town. By February 1980, 87% of those released had returned to St Croix Island. They appeared healthy, moulted normally, returned to former nests and mates and six had produced clutches. SANCCOB has treated 6551 oiled penguins since 1968, and, based on these release and rehabilitation rates, attempts to clean and rehabilitate oiled penguins are justified. |
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