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In-situ conservation of the Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) – sustainable protection measures for a threatened
species by means of research, networking and environmental education in South America and Europe
Christina Schubert
Sphenisco – Conservation of the Humboldt penguin / Zoo Landau in der Pfalz, Germany
Humboldt penguins‘ threats in his natural habitat
The wild populations of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) off the coasts of Chile and Peru are threatened by a variety of factors: the reduction of the fish population by
overfishing and climatic changes, ocean pollution and harvesting of guano are taking away the penguins and other threatened marine species’ basis for life. In addition, animals die
from being trapped in gillnets, by fishing through the use of dynamite or are caught and eaten, used as fish bait or illegally traded and held as pets. Uncontrolled tourism destroys the
breeding colonies and reduces the clutch's chance of success. The IUCN states the species’ population is decreasing and that in the short term, measures such as protection of
breeding sites, creation of marine reserves ,and establishment of awareness programmes must be implemented and intensified .
Sphenisco – Conservation of the Humboldt penguin
The German non -profit organisation “Sphenisco – Save the Humboldt penguin”, aims to support the in-situ conservation actions of this species in co-operation with scientists and
conservationists in Chile and Peru, such as Prof. Guillermo Luna (Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile), Dr Alejandro Simeone (Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile),
MODEMA (Movimiento en Defensa del Medio Ambiente), ACOREMA (Areas Costeras y Recursos Marinos) and others. Since its foundation in 2008, Sphenisco has supported research
on population dynamics, projects to eradicate invasive species on breeding islands and environmental education campaigns.
Campaign against the power plants
Protective measures for breeding sites and coastal waters
From its founding in 2008 and until 2011, the main focus of
Sphenisco’s work was to prevent the construction of three coal-fired
power plants with archaic technology, that were supposed to be built
near the only natural protection reserve for the Humboldt penguin
(Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt) in the region of La Higuera
(Northern Chile), where literally 80% of the wild population lives and
which houses many more other highly endangered species like whales,
dolphins, turtles, sea otters and the Peruvian Diving Petrel.
Eradication of invasive species Besides (illegal) guano digging and
disturbance from locals or tourists, an additional threat to the
breeding sites are invasive species such as rats or rabbits, which were
accidently or intentionally abandoned on the islands near the coast.
The rabbits‘ digging leads to soil erosion, and nibbling on cactuses,
which serve as penguins nests, leads to less sheltered places being
available. Both factors reduce the breeding success. In 2010, a project
was started to eradicate the rabbits on the islands Choros, Chanaral,
Chungungo und Pajeros I (Northern Chile), where over 7,000 breeding
pairs of penguins are located. Sphenisco payed a postgraduate
student, who took baseline data of penguin and other animals
population numbers on the islands.
Sphenisco supported the very active citizen‘s movement MODEMA
(Movimento en Defensa del Medio Ambiente), which fought for the
continuity of this unique ecosystem, a “hotspot” of biodiversity.
Besides financial support, Sphenisco initiated world-wide protest
campaigns in 2008 and 2010, in cooperation with other groups, and
ended up with 25,000 signatures, 17,000 deriving from the Sphenisco
campaign alone. These signatures were then handed off to the Chilean
government. The 2010 newly-elected president Pinera had promised
to preserve the landscape during his election campaign and in the end
kept his word. After withdrawal of the first building application in
2008, the second company followed in 2010. In spring 2011 there was
even more positive news, because also the third company drew back
their application for the power plant!
The natural reserve is saved – at least for the moment.
“Sí, al Área Marina y Costera Protegida” “Yes, to the
Marine Reserve“ is the title of a recent project from Sphenisco. Besides
the national reserve that includes the islands Choros, Damas und
Chanaral (Northern Chile), the environmental protection organisation
OCEANA plans to apply for a marine reserve reaching further south, to
include more important breeding sites. The baseline data, derived by
the postgraduate student (mentioned above) on Choros and Chanaral
Islands, will be part of the application. Further, Sphenisco supports the
project through lobbying and public relations work. Sphenisco also
sponsors a Project Coordinator (PC), who networks with OCEANA,
scientists, politicans and local groups. Plus, the PC runs an information
campaign for local residents, and is also developing a web page. A
logo has been developed, which stresses the necessary coaction of
nature and sustainable use of the reserve.
The nature protection organisation OCEANA supported the campaign
and made a counter proposal to create a large marine reserve in the
region, a project which is now supported by Sphenisco.
Environmental education – in South America and Europe
Awareness campaigns for fishermen and kids in Peru The Peruvian natural
protection organization ACOREMA (Áreas Costeras y Recursos Marinos), under
commission from Sphenisco since 2010 in Southern Peru ,is campaigning for
the protection of the Humboldt penguin and its habitat. ACOREMA
preliminary addresses fishermen and kids to raise awareness
about dynamite fishing, bycatch, the illegal keeping of penguins
as pets, consumption of penguin meat and eggs, water and land
pollution, and disturbance of breeding sites. Discussions,
information flyers, internet blogs, workshops, school lessons,
puppet theatres in public places and parades are means that are
utlized to raise awareness of the penguins plight.
Education in European zoos Besides environmental education campaigns in
the area near the natural habitat of the species, publicizing information about
threats to the species, due to modern consumers’ behaviour on one side of the
globe (e.g., consumption of fish and use of fertilizers), and the impact on
threatened species on the other side of the globe, are highly important.
Sphenisco’s work is supported by 13 European zoos and other partner
organisations which provide environmental education.
Alex and Alexa Go Traveling Alex and Alexa are two stuffed toy penguins
who, working as diplomatic representatives of their endangered species, visit
schools in Germany and Chile, bringing attention to the threat of extinction to
the Humboldt penguin. They carry a voluminous information package of
materials for teachers and kids with them.
Thanks a lot to our co-operation partners and members:
Research
Screening of Humboldt penguins population
For two years
Sphenisco sponsored a marine biologist’s dissertation. Now through a
state-sponsored grant, she can continue the work on her thesis, titled
“The Effect of Latitude on the Patterns and Geographic Processes of
Marine Birds, Utilizing the Humboldt penguin as an Example”. The
structure and processes of the population dynamics between Punta
Aguja, Peru and Punihuil, Southern Chile will be studied.
Reducing bycatch
To tackle the severe threat of penguins being
caught in gill nets, Sphenisco has sponsored an assistant to Prof. A.
Simeone (University Andres Bello, Santiago) to summarise and analyse
fishing-techniques and impact on penguins in the region.
Wild animal rescue station and education at San Antonio
A long-term co-operation partner of Sphenisco is the
Museo Municipal de Historia Natural in San Antiono,
Central Chile. The museum runs a wild animal rescue
station, which Sphenisco frequently sponsors medicine
for. Local school kids, adults, and tourists make up the
audience on guided tours. They are also informed on
other issues that threaten Humboldt penguins in the
region and what they can do to help individually.
Sphenisco has sponsored an information roll-up that
gives practical hints, for example what to do if an
injured penguin is found.