Identification of land predators of African Penguins Spheniscus demersus through post-mortem examination |
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Authors: | Ralph ET Vanstreels Nola J Parsons Cuan McGeorge Renata Hurtado Katrin Ludynia Lauren Waller |
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Institution: | 1. Marine Apex Predator Research Unit, Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa;2. DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute for African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africaralph_vanstreels@yahoo.com.brhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2359-4828;4. Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, Cape Town, South Africahttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3421-4133;5. Stony Point Nature Reserve, CapeNature, Betty’s Bay, South Africa;6. Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, Cape Town, South Africa;7. Institute of Research and Rehabilitation of Marine Animals, Cariacica, Brazil;8. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africahttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-0353-1929;9. Stony Point Nature Reserve, CapeNature, Betty’s Bay, South Africahttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3815-9845 |
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Abstract: | The African Penguin Spheniscus demersus is an endangered seabird endemic to southern Africa, and killing sprees by terrestrial predators have been one of the main threats for its mainland colonies. The methods employed to manage predators may differ depending on the species involved, therefore the implementation of strategies to limit the impacts of predation relies on the correct identification of the culprit predator. We report and quantify the lesions seen in African Penguins killed by four species of terrestrial predators: Caracal Caracal caracal (52 kills), Leopard Panthera pardus (27 kills), Domestic Dog Canis lupus familiaris (10 kills), and Cape Grey Mongoose Galerella pulverulenta (4 kills). We discuss patterns of necropsy findings that can be used to identify the predator species involved. Traditional forensic methods are useful tools to direct species-specific management actions for the conservation of the African Penguin and other seabirds so that effective mitigating measures can be deployed quickly to prevent further losses. It should be borne in mind, however, that the age, size and previous hunting experience of the predator are likely to influence the pattern of lesions that will be observed, and not all carcasses will have hallmark lesions or recognisable bite marks. |
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Keywords: | carcasses carnivores necropsy predation South Africa Spheniscidae terrestrial predators wildlife conflict |
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