Identification of land predators of African Penguins Spheniscus demersus through post-mortem examination

• Main Authors: Vanstreels, Ralph ET, Parsons, Nola J, Cuan McGeorge, Hurtado, Renata, Ludynia, Katrin, Waller, Lauren, Ruthenberg, Monique, Purves, Arne, Lorien Pichegru, Pistorius, Pierre A
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Taylor & Francis 2019
• Subjects: Microbiology; FOS Biological sciences; Cell Biology; 59999 Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified; FOS Earth and related environmental sciences; Ecology; Sociology; FOS Sociology; Inorganic Chemistry; FOS Chemical sciences; 110309 Infectious Diseases; FOS Health sciences; Cape Grey; Canis lupus
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.11366189; https://tandf.figshare.com/articles/Identification_of_land_predators_of_African_Penguins_Spheniscus_demersus_through_post-mortem_examination/11366189

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.