There are currently 45,000 Cape Gannets on Bird Island.
Regional Conservation organization, Cape Nature, said this is a reason to celebrate, since Gannets remained at around 30,000 for over 5 years.
The significant growth of the colony is not just a product of local breeding success on the island, but it suggests that Gannets from other colonies are flocking to Bird Island, recognizing it as prime breeding ground.
Gannets have a protracted breeding season with the earliest eggs laid in October and the last chicks hatching right into May, of the following year.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, said Bird Island’s success is a valuable example of the effectiveness of hands-on conservation.
“We learn again that positive conservation outcomes often require persistent effort across several years. Through constant monitoring, proactive management of threats like seals and gulls, and a commitment to conserving the island’s unique ecosystem, Bird Island can claim to be the best-managed Gannet colony in Southern Africa.”
He also said Gannets are flocking there not just for breeding but because of ideal conditions, protection from threats, and a thriving marine ecosystem.
Bird Island offers the perfect conditions for the birds to thrive, with enough space, minimal predation, access to food, and consistent conservation efforts, making it ideal for Gannets seeking a safe home to raise their young.
A particularly important time in the Gannet life cycle is during chick fledging season, when the young Gannets take their first solo flight away from the colony and out into the open ocean. Every chick is counted during this period, including those that are unfortunately predated on by Cape-fur seals.
Conservation teams on the Island, have been gathering this data for the past 18 years, providing invaluable long-term insight into the Gannet colony’s health, growth, and challenges.
The success of the Bird Island Gannet colony can also be attributed to the careful management of the local seal population, which could otherwise pose a serious threat to the Gannets, particularly during chick fledging season.
Picture: Cape Nature