The Gqeberha SANCCOB branch have taken in 100 Cape Gannets that are covered in fish oil; they are in the process of washing them and this is why it is important:
Gqeberha, South Africa (28 March 2024)—The Gqeberha SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) team is in the process of washing and caring for 100 oiled Cape Gannets that were found on March 17, 2024.
A SANCCOB Penguin and Seabird Ranger reported finding over 100 Cape gannets oiled in what appeared to be fish oil. The team along with the South African National Parks (SANParks) Rangers spent two days rescuing the most compromised individuals and transporting them to SANCCOB Gqeberha for rehabilitation.
Oiled birds are in grave danger because the oil compromises their waterproof feathers and prevents them from regulating their temperature. This is why it is so important to start treatment as soon as possible.
“A full medical examination was carried out on all gannets during their admission by SANCCOB’s rehabilitation staff. Currently, the type of oil and subsequent cause of the pollutant remains unknown. Stakeholders involved in the response are working together to get the feather samples analysed as soon as possible.
As is well-known, birds are extremely susceptible to the effects of oil and whilst it is not toxic to seabirds, fish oil disrupts feather microstructure and waterproofing. The fish oil removes the waterproofing qualities, so the cold water penetrates the skin, and when birds are unable to regulate their body temperature, they are prone to hypothermia. In addition, they become water-logged thus unable to fly or swim effectively and can drown. We will do our utmost to successfully rehabilitate these endangered seabirds.
It is important to share that oiled birds in this condition need to be stabilised before undergoing a wash process, and the first group of rescued birds have already been washed. The entire process of washing and rehabilitation takes at least four weeks when no secondary complications exist.”
Cape gannets are endemic to South Africa and Namibia and found only at six colonies worldwide; Possession, Ichaboe & Mercury islands in Namibia, and in South Africa, on Lambert’s Bay, Malgas Island and Bird Island in Algoa Bay. The species is listed as Endangered since 2017 globally and Critically Endangered in Namibia. Bird Island, where the oiled birds have been found, is home to 90,000 to 100,000 breeding pairs, thus the largest Cape gannet colony in the world.
Sightings of oiled seabirds can be reported to SANCCOB Gqeberha on +27 (0)41 583 1830 or emergency after hours on +27 (0)64 019 8936.
At this time of emergency, funding support is needed to assist SANCCOB to medicate, feed and rehabilitate the oiled gannets. You can donate here and select ‘Gqeberha Cape Gannets’ from the list to help provide the necessary care.
Sources: SANCCOB Newsletter
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