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MarionIsland_ChrisOosthuizen (130)
A wandering albatross pair at Marion Island.
(Chris Oosthuizen)

Tests confirm presence of high pathogenicity avian flu on South Africa’s Marion Island

Six bird species have been infected on the remote sub-Antarctic island

The chick after the mouse attack that wounded it’s neck

Invasive mice on Marion Island eat rare seabird chicks, sparking eradication effort

The rodents’ population is increasing and, as their usual food sources become scarce, they are feeding on vulnerable species such as the wandering albatross

Encounters with Palestine and the environment

These subjects take centre stage at a festival showcasing nearly 50 documentaries

Photo by Pierre Pistorius

Global study highlights effect of plastic pollution on foraging seabirds

The presence of plastic particles in the birds has potential implications for human health

Romario Valentine’s Seabirds Christmas Gift for Marion Island campaign raised R20 530, more than double the R10 000 that the eco-warrior initially set out to raise, to help the conservation efforts of seabirds.

Child’s campaign to save seabirds from invasive mice takes flight

Eco-warrior Romario Valentine’s efforts have been recognised by the government and BirdLife SA

Feedstock: Peter Ryan of the University of Cape Town found this great shearwater dead at its breeding colony at Tristan da Cunha. It had ingested 194 bits of plastic. (Peter Ryan)

Diet of plastic their harmful chemicals is killing seabirds

An international team of researchers has found plastic chemicals in seabirds, including flame retardants and UV stabilisers, as well as banned pollutants

Extinction threat: The African penguins breed on islands off South Africa’s coast, including in the St Croix Island Reserve near the Coega River mouth. Photo: Reinhard Dirscherl/ullstein bild/Getty Images

Penguins can’t get enough to eat

The causes include commercial fishing near their colonies and a scarcity of sardines and anchovies