In an extraordinary testament to successful conservation efforts, Bird Island, situated in Lambert’s Bay, has become a sanctuary for one of the most prosperous seabird populations in the region.
CapeNature said the island, renowned for its unique ecological significance, recently celebrated a remarkable milestone in January with its Cape Gannet population reaching an impressive 45 000 individuals—the highest figure recorded in 19 years.
“This thriving colony, now consistently maintaining numbers in the 30 000s for five consecutive years, reflects not only local breeding success but also the attraction of Gannets from other colonies seeking a prime breeding ground.
Bird Island stands as the only Gannet colony in the world that can be accessed by foot, further enhancing its allure for conservationists and nature enthusiasts alike.
“The surge in Gannet numbers can be attributed to a combination of rigorous daily monitoring, astute management techniques, and dedicated conservation practices. A devoted team at the nature reserve—comprising a conservator and three monitors—assiduously patrols the island. Their focus on the colony’s well-being includes tracking signs of disturbance, potential mortalities, disease outbreaks, and predatory threats from Kelp Gulls and land-based predators like mongooses,” said CapeNature in a statement.
It said additionally, the protection of the Gannet population extends to vigilance against illegal human activity.
“The team is also tasked with observing how extreme weather events, such as heavy rains and heatwaves, might affect the delicate ecosystem, proactively mitigating threats wherever feasible.
“The fledging season is particularly critical for Gannets, as young birds take their inaugural flights away from the island. During this period, every chick is meticulously counted—though sadly, some fall prey to Cape fur seals. Over the past 18 years, the team has amassed invaluable data about the colony’s growth and the challenges it faces, providing a critical resource for adapting conservation strategies to meet evolving needs.
Integral to the colony’s success is the judicious management of the local seal population, which can pose a significant risk during fledging season. Without proper control, seals may colonise the island and threaten the Gannets’ breeding. A unique invisible barrier line has been implemented to restrict seals to a designated zone on the western side of the island. If seals venture beyond this boundary, they are herded back to their allotted area, ensuring the Gannets’ nesting and fledging success is safeguarded.
CapeNature said reflecting on the historical context, it’s noteworthy that an incident in December 2005, when seals predated on Gannet chicks, led to the entire colony abandoning the island.
“Thanks to the rapid implementation of aggressive management strategies by CapeNature, the situation stabilised, allowing Gannets to return and rebuild their colony successfully.
“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,” remarked CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo. “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.”
The accomplishments on Bird Island serve as a tangible roadmap for other wildlife conservation initiatives, illustrating the profound impact sustained dedication and thoughtful management can achieve. As the Gannet population flourishes, Bird Island stands not only as a beacon of hope for future Gannet conservation efforts but also as a vital indicator of the broader health of Southern Africa’s coastal ecosystems.