[Image: Animal Bio]
South Africa’s courts are gearing up for a groundbreaking case in March 2025 that could change the game for African penguins.
Two conservation groups, BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, are taking the government to task for what they call inadequate steps to save this beloved seabird from extinction. Daily Maverick Burning Planet reporter, Kristin Engel has the scoop on what’s shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown.
The penguin population is in crisis. With sardine and anchovy stocks—their main food source—dwindling due to climate change and overfishing, the African penguin is struggling to survive. Now critically endangered, they’ve lost 97% of their numbers and could vanish in less than 4,000 days.
View this post on Instagram
This court case is a push to force Environment Minister Dion George to make better decisions rooted in science. His predecessor, Barbara Creecy, enacted only “biologically meaningless” fishing restrictions around breeding colonies, according to the conservation groups, who argue the minister ignored expert advice to implement stronger, more effective fishing closures.
“The African penguin’s survival depends on the right decision being taken now,” says Dr Alistair McInnes from BirdLife South Africa. “African penguins at breeding colonies need access to food.”
Settlement talks with the government are ongoing, but Executive Director Kate Handley made it clear: “We’re proceeding as if it’s going ahead”. The hearing is now set for 18–20 March 2025 in Pretoria, with heads of argument due by the end of January.
View this post on Instagram
The State’s defence hinges on the need for more data and stakeholder input before adopting the stricter measures recommended by an International Review Panel. They claim their interim fishing closures bought valuable time for additional research.
But Handley isn’t convinced. “There was sufficient information to make a decision,” she argues. “The principles of precaution and best available science require the minister to have acted decisively.”
This case could set a powerful precedent for protecting species at risk. Handley points to Botha’s lark, another South African bird teetering on the brink of extinction, as a stark reminder of what’s at stake.
With human activity—land use changes, pollution, and climate change—driving many species toward extinction, the case highlights the urgent need for government accountability in conservation.
The world will be watching as South Africa decides whether it’s willing to put science and sustainability above short-term economic interests. For now, the message from conservationists is clear: “Full steam ahead.”
Stay tuned—March could be a make-or-break moment for one of the world’s most iconic seabirds.
In the meantime, you can do something small to help fund the places that protect these precious penguins, like The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).
Even Fitch & Leedes has put its brand behind this meaningful cause, with the launch of its tantalising Pineapple Lemonade. Every can you buy supports vital conservation efforts for African Penguins.
View this post on Instagram
[Source: Daily Maverick]
