Research

SANCCOB Research

Since 1980, the seabird rehabilitation undertaken at SANCCOB has been the focus of a series of studies by researchers, and the resulting findings have been published in an important series of refereed papers and chapters in books.
We aim to contribute to research wherever possible and focus our efforts to increase our knowledge that will benefit seabirds in the wild, as well as to increase our ability to care for seabirds while they undergo rehabilitation.

Chick Bolstering Project

The Chick Bolstering Project is a collaborative effort between various organizations attempting to arrest the decline in the global numbers of African penguins through introducing hand-reared chicks back into the wild.

Winter migration in Cape Gannets from Namibia

Very little is known about the overwintering areas of Cape gannets breeding at the Namibian colonies. As population numbers continue to decline, a better knowledge about the areas used by non-breeding Cape gannets would allow to address threats in the overwintering areas and result in better conservation measures. The use of latest technology in form of global location sensors (GLS) enables a better understanding of migration patterns and at-sea activity of these endangered seabirds.

Avian Malaria Research

This blood-borne parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can cause symptoms such as lethargy, anorexia and regurgitation as well as sudden death. Malaria remains a problem for SANCCOB´s veterinary team as our current facility is located on a wetland where mosquitoes breed readily.

Chick Rearing Unit

After many years of waiting the new Chick Rearing Unit at SANCCOB (fondly known as the “hatchery” during the development phase) was opened on Friday, 25 November 2011.

SANCCOB has been hand rearing and releasing chicks back into the wild for many years.

Health Survey

In the light of the drastic decline of seabird numbers, and the change in their distribution in the recent 100 years, SANCCOB acknowledged the need to launch a first-time ever surveillance study of the overall health of seabird populations along the Southern African coastline.
Surveillance of these birds includes the collection of blood and guano samples, ecto-parasites and general metromorphic values. The sampling will be performed at all the major breeding colonies where free-living seabirds occur, including Dassen Island, Robben Island, Boulders, Stoney Point, Dyer Island, Bird Island and St. Croix Island, and one site (SANCCOB) where captive birds are kept.

Scientific Papers

SANCCOB's work has been published in referenced in nearly 40 papers and chapters and books in the last 3 decades.
Research also shows that the professional rehabilitation of oiled penguins is successful.

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