Browsing by Author "Ludynia, Katrin"

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    Initial evaluation of the care and rehabilitation success of Cape Cormorants Phalacrocorax capensis rescued from Robben and Jutten islands, South Africa, in January 2021
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2023) Phillips, Jesse; Ludynia, Katrin; Waller, Lauren J
    The population of the endangered Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis more than halved over the last three decades (BirdLife International 2018a). In January 2021, nearly 2 000 Cape Cormorant chicks were found abandoned, suffering from dehydration and heat stress, at two important nesting sites. The chicks were rescued and rehabilitated by the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB, Cape Town, South Africa). About half (53.7%) of the cormorant chicks were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the breeding colonies. This study found a direct link between the initial body mass of cormorant chicks admitted to the rehabilitation centre and their probability of surviving during rehabilitation, with birds that were initially heavier having a greater probability of eventual release. Most cormorant chicks that died (80.7%) did so within the first 5 days of admission. This rescue required SANCCOB to care for and rehabilitate the largest number of Cape Cormorant chicks that has ever been admitted to its rehabilitation centre at one time, making it the first rescue of its kind. Despite the presumably limited positive impact on overall population numbers of Cape Cormorants, the rescue campaign improved SANCCOB’s preparedness to respond successfully to future disaster events and to deal with different species, both locally and globally.
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    Is penguin circovirus circulating only in the antarctic circle? Lack of viral detection in namibia
    (MDPI, 2023) Roberts, Laura C.; Molini, Umberto; Ludynia, Katrin
    The known host range of circoviruses is continuously expanding because of more intensive diagnostic activities and advanced sequencing tools. Recently, a new circovirus (penguin circovirus (PenCV)) was identified in the guano and cloacal samples collected from Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) and chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarcticus) in Antarctica. Although the virus was detected in several asymptomatic subjects, a potential association with feather disease was speculated. To investigate the occurrence and implications of PenCV in other penguin species located outside of Antarctica, a broad survey was undertaken in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) on two islands off the southern Namibian coast. For this purpose, specific molecular biology assays were developed and validated. None of the 151 blood samples tested positive for PenCV. Several reasons could explain the lack of PenCV positive samples. African penguins and Pygoscelis species are separated by approximately 6000 km, so there is almost no opportunity for transmission. Similarly, host susceptibility to PenCV might be penguin genus-specific. Overall, the present study found no evidence of PenCV in African penguin colonies in Namibia. Further dedicated studies are required to assess the relevance of PenCV among different penguin species.
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    Mass mortality of African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) caused by Cape honeybees (Apis mellifera capensis)
    (Taylor & Francis, 2025) Ludynia, Katrin; Snyman, lbert; Kock, Alison
    The African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is a seabird endemic to southern Africa and is currently classified as critically endangered, with fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs left in the wild. Sixty-four African Penguins were found dead at a mainland colony in South Africa in September 2021 after being attacked by Cape honeybees (Apis mellifera capensis), a subspecies endemic to the southern coast of South Africa. An additional adult penguin was found alive with red-stained urine and died shortly after rescue. Post-mortem examination revealed bee stingers embedded in featherless facial areas, accompanied by localised erythema and swelling. The number of stingers ranged from 2 to 35 per penguin (on average 3.5 ± 2.7 stingers/kg in adult males and 4.1 ± 3.6 stingers/kg in adult females), suggesting the species may have a low tolerance to bee venom. Internal lesions were consistent with those previously reported in bee envenomation in other birds and mammals, including severe pulmonary congestion and oedema, systemic shock, and acute kidney injury. The cause of the bee attacks remains unclear but may relate to disturbance by humans or penguins. Habitat degradation and proximity to human activity can increase the risk of bee attacks. Management strategies should include buffer zones for beekeeping, removing or relocating highrisk hives, and educating residents about the risks of beekeeping near colonies. Understanding the drivers of bee defensiveness will be important to prevent further incidents and ensure this endemic bee subspecies does not become an added threat to the African Penguin.
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    The first record of Cape Clawless Otters Aonyx capensis predating on African Penguins Spheniscus demersus
    (Taylor&Francis, 2025) Snyman, Albert; Ludynia, Katrin; Purves, Arne
    The African Penguin Spheniscus demersus, a critically endangered seabird endemic to southern Africa, faces substantial threats from terrestrial predators at its mainland colonies. Correct identification of the predator species is essential for effective conservation management. This study provides the first documented evidence of Cape Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis predation on African Penguins. We describe characteristic lesion patterns distinguishing otter predation from other predators, such as Caracal Caracal caracal. These findings underscore the importance of accurate predator identification to guide targeted mitigation strategies and highlight the need for adaptive management to protect vulnerable mainland African Penguin colonies from emerging predation pressures.