Falklands Conservation Penguin Census

Penguins are in trouble.

Some populations are in severe decline.

Oil has now been found in the South Atlantic.

It is a race against time to protect the seabirds of the South Atlantic.

The Falkland Islands are one of the world’s most important places for penguins. They are a global stronghold for the declining Southern Rockhopper Penguin and hold a quarter of the world’s Gentoo Penguins. King Penguins are at their northerly limit and many thousands of Magellanic Penguins nest in burrows all around the remote coastline.

About this Project

This Census will be a count of penguin breeding sites throughout the Falkland Islands, often described as the penguin capital of the world. It will provide essential information on their breeding colonies to determine action for the future protection of these wonderful seabirds.

It will take place during November and December 2010 and last for five weeks. Three teams including scientists, volunteers and local guides will visit seabird colonies on East Falkland, West Falkland and the numerous smaller islands including Beauchêne Island, located 50 miles to the south of the main archipelago. The black-browed albatross population (the Falklands hold 70% of the world population) will also be monitored. This work will be followed by the first ever Falkland survey of Magellanic Penguins early in 2011. Research on Rockhopper Penguins will be undertaken through the summer fieldwork season. We need £30,000 to undertake this work.

What the money will be spent on

The Project cost of £30,000 includes boat charter to reach many offshore islands, essential survey equipment, and data analysis. It is vital work if we are to have any chance of addressing the protection of all penguins in the face of potential threats, particularly offshore oil development.

Please support this Appeal to ensure we can complete this important Census.

About Falklands Conservation
Patron: HRH The Duke of York

Falklands Conservation takes action for wildlife in the Falkland Islands, a UK Overseas Territory. It undertakes practical conservation work, rescues oiled penguins, aims to reduce the killing of albatrosses by fisheries in the South Atlantic, studies the unique and native species of the Islands and campaigns for their protection. We also help the next generation of Islanders appreciate and care for their native flora and fauna.

Our Penguin Appeal aims to raise funds to support protection of wildlife in the South Atlantic, in particular the five species of penguin that live and breed in and around the Falkland Islands.

Your help is needed – please donate
To make a donation to the Falklands Conservation Penguin Census Appeal please send a cheque to:
Sarah Brennan, Falklands Conservation, 14 East Hatley, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 3JA, UK or e-mail me on sarah.brennan@conservation.org.fk to discuss preferred method of payment.

Falklands Conservation is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales no 366132 and registered charity no 1073859.
Registered Office: 14 East Hatley, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 3JA.