Endangered African penguins threatened by bird flu
Even small losses are significant for this already under severe population pressure.
KATHMANDU: The coastal regions of South Africa are facing a new threat to the already critically endangered African penguins, as a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak has been reported among the species.
According to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, since Sept 2025, 23 African penguins have tested positive for the disease, with at least nine confirmed deaths among wild penguins.
Even small losses are significant for this already under severe population pressure.
Widespread infection in breeding colonies could have devastating consequences for a species whose numbers are rapidly declining.
Authorities have urged the public not to touch sick or dead penguins and to immediately report any sightings to relevant organizations.
In 2023, the global population of African penguins fell below 10,000 breeding pairs for the first time.
Consequently, in 2024, the species was listed as critically endangered by an international conservation body, facing the risk of extinction in the wild by 2035.
A December 2025 statement noted that since 2018, over 1,000 African penguins have died due to bird flu.
