I was interested to read in Fridays West that the penguin numbers on Penguin Island are declining fast. Researchers are putting full focus on heat change and water temp driving white bait away and forcing the penguins to move to new grounds to look for more food. There is no mention that the GWS just loves to eat the little fluff balls and have been known to wait at the back of the Island for an early morning treat or sunset filler. If I was a gambler, I would be putting $20 on the shark and a $5 each way on the temp/white bait theory.

sea lions on the opposite island too i think ( or carnac?), though might be wrong, they don't mind chomping on the old penguins either

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soleman said...

sea lions on the opposite island too i think ( or carnac?), though might be wrong, they don't mind chomping on the old penguins either

NZ fur seals are the biggest threat to penguins The NZ fur seals are growing in numbers fast. In SA they are having a huge impact, almost having the penguin pop in only a short time.

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WATER MAN said...
If I was a gambler, I would be putting $20 on the shark and a $5 each way on the temp/white bait theory.

Well the two don't have to be mutually exclusive. If the penguins are having to swim further and spend more time in the water to get their quote of bait fish then naturally they are increasing their own exposure to predation, from both sharks and seals.

EDIT:
Aww, red thumbs for stating a fact. Good old sb.

Wait til evolution catches up and they learn to fly

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newguy said...

Wait til evolution catches up and they learn to fly

or evolve teeth so they can bite back

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micksmith said...

newguy said...

Wait til evolution catches up and they learn to fly

or evolve teeth so they can bite back

I wish the SUP numbers would decline

Anyone look on the other side of the road?


Oh hang on that was chickens...