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Falklands Conservation |
Falklands Penguin Census: Falklands Conservation has recently undertaken a census (Falkland Islands Penguin Census 1995-96) of Rockhopper and Gentoo penguins throughout the whole archipelago to establish their status. This has revealed an overall decline of 40% in the Gentoo Penguin population in the last 20 years and a decline of 90% in the Rockhopper penguin population over the past 60 years. All major breeding colonies for these species were identified and a baseline established for future monitoring and research.
Seabird Monitoring Programme: Through its Falkland Islands Seabird Monitoring Programme penguin research has been conducted over period of ten years into the diet and chick survival rates on a number of regularly monitored sites. There is limited evidence to link penguin population changes to food availability and possibly commercial fishing but more detailed investigations into their foraging ranges and feeding ecology is required to gain a proper understanding of the underlying factors.
Island Nature Reserves: Falklands Conservation itself owns 15 offshore islands and runs these as nature reserves where penguins have sanctuary from disturbance.
Specialist Advice and Rescue: Falklands Conservation is advising FIG on updating its conservation legislation which will give added protection to these birds. It runs a public information and advisory service on all aspects on wildlife in the Islands which includes rescuing injured or oiled birds, advising on wildlife management and keeping records of penguin information in the Islands including the sighting of vagrant species eg Chinstrap, Erect Crested, Emperor.
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Patron: HRH The Duke of York CVO ADC Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature | BirdLife International Representative |