Record Numbers At Lambert's Bay As Cape Gannet Colony Thrives

Bird Island, nestled off the coast of Lambert's Bay, has become Southern Africa's beacon of success in seabird conservation and the Cape Gannet population is flourishing, Cape town Etc reports.

Home to the largest Cape Gannet colony in the region, the island has witnessed a remarkable surge in the Gannet population, reaching a record 45,000 individuals in January 2025 - the highest in 19 years. This milestone reflects both the islands thriving ecosystem and the dedicated conservation efforts that have made Bird Island a model for sustainable wildlife management.

Bird Island's Gannet population has been steadily increasing for the past five years, with numbers consistently hovering in the 30,000s. The impressive rise in numbers this year signals not only the success of local breeding but also the attraction of Gannets from other colonies, suggesting that the island is being recognised as a prime breeding ground. Gannets, known for their protracted breeding season, start laying eggs as early as October, with chicks hatching through to May of the following year.

Thanks to the island's unique characteristics-ample space, minimal predation, abundant food sources, and consistent conservation efforts-Bird Island provides the perfect sanctuary for these seabirds.

The success of the Cape Gannet colony can be attributed to the unwavering commitment of the dedicated team at Bird Island Nature Reserve. Unlike other colonies, Bird Island's Gannets are closely monitored every single day by a conservator and three expert monitors. This team conducts thorough patrols around the island to safeguard against any potential threats, from natural predators like Kelp Gulls and mongooses to illegal human activity.