Thanks to Faroeshka Rodger, the Conservation Manager (On-site) for the Kogelberg Nature Reserve Complex, for updating us on aspects of their work at Stony Point. She previously worked for SANParks at Boulders Beach, so she has many years of experience at an African Penguin colony.
She explained some of the ongoing work they do at Stony Point such as quack counts, moult counts and checking on the condition of the penguins during their moult. Birds that are in distress or in arrested moult are transported to SANCCOB for rehabilitation. They also rescue eggs and chicks when needed and send these SANCCOB for rearing. In a land colony, predation on land is an issue that affects the penguins in addition to predators at sea. One of the happy and rewarding experiences at the colony is a penguin release – when SANCCOB brings rehabilitated birds to the colony to set them free again.
Compliance monitoring and enforcement with other organisations, biodiversity status, education and awareness of students, and staff training are some of the other important activities.
Two new Field Rangers are due to be employed in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve Complex. One ranger will work in the Kogelberg Reserve and the other at Stony Point.
This year there are plans for some exciting infrastructure and tourism changes:
- A new boardwalk and education material
The planned construction will have a phased approach with minimal noise and disturbance to the penguins in this sensitive colony. Work will only take place at appropriate times during the penguin’s lifecycle. The boardwalk is due for completion in 2027.
- Repairs to the main gate.
Currently the exit gate remains open after hours and lots of tourist and private vehicles enter the reserve when there are no staff present. Their behaviour often disturbs the penguins. Consultation will take place with stakeholders such as Heritage Western Cape and On the Edge Restaurant.
- Visitor Access and Flow
After years of lower visitor’s numbers due to Covid, boardwalk repairs and problems with the sewage tanks at Stony Point, visitor numbers have increased. Currently the only pay point is at the boardwalk, and if visitors do not walk beyond that kiosk, they do not pay to visit the colony. This is a loss of income for CapeNature.
There are plans to improve the flow of visitors and to move the pay point. There will be a trial period with temporary measures to monitor the success of the proposed plan.
There will also be some new signage in the colony.
We hope that these changes will help to improve the visitor experience at Stony Point, so that they leave with a clear understanding of the critically endangered status of the African Penguin. It will also help to manage visitor access and flow and reduce the stress on the penguins. This is vital to help reduce the pressure on the birds at this crucial time in the survival of this species.
Carol Clark