by Ria Olivier | Apr 24, 2026 | International Days, Marion Island, Ornithology, Research
As we mark World Penguin Day on 25 April 2026, the South African National Antarctic Programme continues to play a vital role in advancing our understanding of penguin species across the Southern Ocean. Through long-term research led by dedicated scientists and field assistants, especially on Marion Island and Gough Island, SANAP contributes critical insights into penguin ecology, behaviour, and responses to environmental change. These efforts are further enriched by the invaluable visual contributions archived by the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa—images that bring science to life and enhance the impact of SANAP’s outreach on platforms like blogs and Facebook.
Feature (& above) photos(enhanced) contributed by Jeanne Nel (Hurford) member of Marion 53 1996-1997
Macaroni Penguin: The Macaroni penguin is one of the most abundant penguin species studied within SANAP-supported regions, including Marion Island. Recognisable by its striking yellow-orange crest, this species forms vast breeding colonies that can number in the millions, offering researchers unique opportunities to study population dynamics and ecosystem interactions. Feeding primarily on krill and small marine organisms, macaroni penguins are also impressive divers, capable of reaching depths of up to 100 metres. SANAP researchers monitor their breeding success and foraging behaviour to better understand the health of subantarctic marine ecosystems.
Emperor Penguin: The Emperor penguin, the largest of all penguin species, is a true symbol of Antarctic resilience. Although primarily found on mainland Antarctica rather than Marion or Gough Island, SANAP-affiliated research contributes to broader Antarctic ecosystem studies that include this iconic species. Adapted to survive extreme temperatures as low as −60°C, emperor penguins exhibit remarkable breeding behaviour, with males incubating eggs on their feet during the harsh winter months. Their ability to dive to depths exceeding 500 metres continues to fascinate scientists studying physiological adaptation and survival in extreme environments.
King Penguin: The King penguin is a prominent feature of Marion Island’s wildlife and a key focus of SANAP research. With their distinctive orange neck patches and large body size, king penguins form dense breeding colonies that provide valuable data on population trends and climate variability. Notably, they have the longest breeding cycle of any penguin species, lasting over a year, which makes them particularly sensitive to environmental changes. Researchers on Marion Island closely track their foraging patterns and breeding success to assess shifts in ocean conditions and prey availability.
Rockhopper Penguin:The Rockhopper penguin, known for its energetic movements and spiky yellow crest, is a charismatic species found on Marion Island and other subantarctic locations. Its name comes from its habit of hopping across rocky terrain, often breeding on steep slopes that challenge both the birds and the researchers studying them. SANAP teams monitor their populations closely, as rockhopper penguins are considered vulnerable to environmental pressures. Their diet of krill, squid, and crustaceans links them directly to ocean health, making them important indicators in marine research.
Adélie Penguin: The Adélie penguin is a classic Antarctic species commonly found along the icy coastline. While not resident on Marion or Gough Island, it remains an important part of SANAP’s broader Antarctic research scope. Easily identified by the white ring around its eye, the Adélie penguin builds pebble nests on rocky ground and relies heavily on krill as a food source. Long-term monitoring of Adélie populations helps scientists understand the impacts of sea ice changes and climate variability on Antarctic ecosystems.
The accompanying infographic can also serve as a useful educational tool for learners, helping children engage with these remarkable species in their school projects.
by Ria Olivier | Mar 3, 2026 | Antarctica, Gough Island, International Days, Invasion Biology, Mammology, Marion Island, Ornithology, Prince Edward Island, Research
Every year on 3 March, the world celebrates World Wildlife Day, recognising the extraordinary diversity of life and the need to conserve it. For South Africa, this commitment extends far beyond the mainland — to the remote sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions where SANAP conducts research and conservation work and plays a vital role in understanding and protecting some of the world’s most unique ecosystems.
Macaroni Penguin on Marion Island getting ready for World Wildlife Day – Otto Whitehead
Guardians of the Sub-Antarctic: The Prince Edward Islands — comprising Marion Island and Prince Edward Island — are globally significant biodiversity hotspots, they host thriving populations of seabirds and marine mammals, including King, Macaroni, Gentoo, and Rockhopper penguins, several Albatross and Petrel species, Southern Elephant seals and Antarctic Fur seals and Killer whales. SANAP-supported researchers monitor wildlife populations to detect changes linked to climate variability, ocean conditions, and human impacts. Long-term datasets collected over decades allow scientists to track breeding success, foraging behaviour, migration patterns, and survival rates.
These islands are also a Special Nature Reserve — South Africa’s highest level of environmental protection — ensuring strict conservation management. Ongoing efforts include the monitoring ecosystem health, studying predator-prey relationships, investigate the effects of climate change on sub-Antarctic food webs and managing invasive species. The eradication of invasive species and strict biosecurity controls are among conservation projects that protect these fragile ecosystems from human-introduced threats.
Macaroni Penguin on Marion Island enjoying World Wildlife Day – Otto Whitehead
Through science, conservation management, and responsible environmental practices, SANAP continues to protect these extraordinary environments for future generations. On this World Wildlife Day, we reaffirm our commitment to understanding, conserving, and championing life at the edge of the Earth. We celebrate the resilience of life in extreme environments, the dedication of researchers working in extreme conditions and South Africa’s role in polar science and environmental stewardship.
- Video Credit: Otto Whitehead
- Feature background image credit: Ben van der Walt
by Ria Olivier | Aug 5, 2025 | Jobs, Marion Island, Ornithology, Overwintering Team, Uncategorised
Now Recruiting: Field Birder Assistants for Marion Island 2026–2027!
Do you dream of working with seabirds in one of the most remote and ecologically important locations on Earth? The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is calling for two passionate and resilient individuals to join a pioneering research expedition to Marion Island as Field Birder Assistants for the 2026–2027 overwintering team.
ADVERTISEMENT
Successful candidates will spend over a year (April 2026 – May 2027) stationed on Marion Island, a sub-Antarctic territory and vital breeding ground for seabirds and marine mammals. This unique opportunity offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to contribute to long-term conservation efforts and seabird monitoring in a truly wild and isolated environment.
CLOSING DATE 25 AUGUST 2025
As a Field Birder Assistant, your role will include:
-
Conducting biological research, fieldwork, and monitoring activities in line with detailed work plans developed by the project managers.
-
Making independent decisions in the field regarding work priorities and protocols, often in challenging and unpredictable conditions.
-
Handling seabirds, including both adults and chicks, with empathy, care, and attention to minimizing stress or harm to the animals.
-
Maintaining accurate records and databases, ensuring all data is well-organized and up to date.
-
Reporting regularly to project managers and providing progress updates on fieldwork and research activities.
by Ria Olivier | Jun 19, 2025 | Antarctica, Environment, Gough Island, International Days, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, Ornithology
19 June 2025 marks World Albatross Day, a global celebration of these magnificent seabirds whose wide wingspans and far-ranging flight paths have long captured the imagination of sailors, scientists, and nature lovers alike. For South Africa, and particularly for the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), this day highlights not only the beauty and ecological importance of albatrosses—but also the urgent need to protect them.
At the heart of SANAP’s commitment to seabird conservation is ongoing research and monitoring on Marion Island, one of the two Prince Edward Islands in the Southern Ocean. Marion Island is home to several albatross species, including the iconic Wandering Albatross, known for having the largest wingspan of any bird in the world. These seabirds are critical indicators of ocean health, and their survival is closely linked to the stability of sub-Antarctic ecosystems.
SANAP scientists have been conducting long-term ecological studies on albatross population trends, breeding behaviour, and foraging ecology, using tracking devices and direct observation to better understand how climate change, ocean dynamics, and human activities are impacting these vulnerable birds.
A major step in protecting Marion Island’s seabirds is the Mouse-Free Marion Project—a large-scale conservation effort aimed at eradicating invasive house mice that prey on albatross chicks and other native birds. These mice, unintentionally introduced by humans, have developed aggressive predatory behaviours that threaten the survival of not only the Wandering Albatross but also Grey-headed, Sooty, and Light-mantled Albatrosses, as well as burrowing petrels and other island species. The Mouse-Free Marion project represents one of the most important island restoration initiatives globally, and a critical investment in the long-term survival of South Africa’s seabird populations. Success will mean a safer future for generations of albatrosses nesting on this remote and windswept island.
This World Albatross Day, we celebrate the tireless work of scientists, conservationists, and partners who are helping to give these majestic ocean wanderers a fighting chance. Let’s continue to raise awareness and support efforts to keep the skies above the Southern Ocean filled with soaring wings.
by Ria Olivier | Apr 25, 2025 | Antarctica, Gough Island, International Days, Marine Protected Area, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, Ornithology, Research, SANAP
Every year on April 25th, we celebrate International Penguin Day—a global reminder of the unique role penguins plays in our planet’s ecosystems. These birds are not just symbols of the icy South—they are indicators of ocean health and climate change. From the sub-Antarctic islands to the Antarctic continent itself, penguins serve as sentinels of the sea, helping scientists track environmental shifts that affect us all.
South Africa plays a vital role in this mission through its National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), which supports long-term ecological research at key sites such as Gough Island, Marion Island, and Antarctica. These research stations are crucial hubs for studying penguin populations like the Northern Rockhopper on Gough Island and the Macaroni penguins on Marion Island. Scientists monitor breeding patterns, foraging behaviour, and survival rates—data that provide early warnings about oceanic changes. In Antarctica, SANAP researchers study Adélie and Emperor penguins, whose survival is intimately tied to the health of sea ice and krill populations.
By investing in these research efforts, South Africa not only contributes to global conservation science but also highlights the importance of protecting our shared polar heritage. This International Penguin Day let’s celebrate the science that keeps these beloved birds waddling into the future.
by Ria Olivier | May 11, 2024 | Ecology, International Days, Ornithology
In 2024, World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated on two days, 11 May and 12 October, aligning with the cyclic nature of bird migration in different hemispheres. The World Migratory Bird Day campaign in 2024 will stress the need for proactive conservation measures. This includes reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers, and where possible, switching to organic farming. Other measures include maintaining and connecting areas of natural vegetation which provide food and shelter for birds and other species, in agricultural landscapes.
Pictures of Antarctic Tern taken by Johan Bothma,1968 (left) and John Cooper, 1984 (right
“Birds are the most mobile organisms on the planet. Their ability to fly vast distances enables them to exploit predictable, short-term peaks in food availability. Almost one fifth of all birds undertake regular movements, usually tied to seasonal cycles. However, such large-scale movements also incur risks from commuting across the landscape. The balance between these costs and benefits determines who stays and who migrates. Recent studies suggest that migration promotes speciation, principally through the formation of sedentary daughter species” – Peter Ryan & Michelle Vrettos
The Antarctic Tern’s closest relative is the Arctic Tern and it is likely that they evolved from Arctic Terns that settled in the south. Among other seabirds, it is less clear in which direction the radiation occurred. Species such as gannets and fulmars are not trans-equatorial migrants and so it is more likely that a few stragglers that crossed the equator established new populations in the opposite hemisphere. (article: “Stay or go? – Migration as an evolutionary driver”) (Arctic Tern, most famous for its long-distance migrations. Flying annually between the northern and southern hemispheres)
Colour Images by Tom McSherry taken on Gough Island in 2017
All images available on Antarctic Legacy of South Africa archive, contributed by Johan Bothma, John Cooper, Tom McSherry
Macaroni Penguin: The Macaroni penguin is one of the most abundant penguin species studied within SANAP-supported regions, including Marion Island. Recognisable by its striking yellow-orange crest, this species forms vast breeding colonies that can number in the millions, offering researchers unique opportunities to study population dynamics and ecosystem interactions. Feeding primarily on krill and small marine organisms, macaroni penguins are also impressive divers, capable of reaching depths of up to 100 metres. SANAP researchers monitor their breeding success and foraging behaviour to better understand the health of subantarctic marine ecosystems.
Emperor Penguin: The Emperor penguin, the largest of all penguin species, is a true symbol of Antarctic resilience. Although primarily found on mainland Antarctica rather than Marion or Gough Island, SANAP-affiliated research contributes to broader Antarctic ecosystem studies that include this iconic species. Adapted to survive extreme temperatures as low as −60°C, emperor penguins exhibit remarkable breeding behaviour, with males incubating eggs on their feet during the harsh winter months. Their ability to dive to depths exceeding 500 metres continues to fascinate scientists studying physiological adaptation and survival in extreme environments.
Rockhopper Penguin:The Rockhopper penguin, known for its energetic movements and spiky yellow crest, is a charismatic species found on Marion Island and other subantarctic locations. Its name comes from its habit of hopping across rocky terrain, often breeding on steep slopes that challenge both the birds and the researchers studying them. SANAP teams monitor their populations closely, as rockhopper penguins are considered vulnerable to environmental pressures. Their diet of krill, squid, and crustaceans links them directly to ocean health, making them important indicators in marine research.
19 June 2025 marks 
SANAP scientists have been conducting long-term ecological studies on albatross population trends, breeding behaviour, and foraging ecology, using tracking devices and direct observation to better understand how climate change, ocean dynamics, and human activities are impacting these vulnerable birds.
A major step in protecting Marion Island’s seabirds is the 
Every year on April 25th, we celebrate International Penguin Day—a global reminder of the unique role penguins plays in our planet’s ecosystems. These birds are not just symbols of the icy South—they are indicators of ocean health and climate change. From the sub-Antarctic islands to the Antarctic continent itself, penguins serve as sentinels of the sea, helping scientists track environmental shifts that affect us all.
South Africa plays a vital role in this mission through its National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), which supports long-term ecological research at key sites such as Gough Island, Marion Island, and Antarctica. These research stations are crucial hubs for studying penguin populations like the Northern Rockhopper on Gough Island and the Macaroni penguins on Marion Island. Scientists monitor breeding patterns, foraging behaviour, and survival rates—data that provide early warnings about oceanic changes. In Antarctica, SANAP researchers study Adélie and Emperor penguins, whose survival is intimately tied to the health of sea ice and krill populations.
By investing in these research efforts, South Africa not only contributes to global conservation science but also highlights the importance of protecting our shared polar heritage. This International Penguin Day let’s celebrate the science that keeps these beloved birds waddling into the future.
In 2024, 
bird migration in different hemispheres. The World Migratory Bird Day campaign in 2024 will stress the need for proactive conservation measures. This includes reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers, and where possible, switching to organic farming. Other measures include maintaining and connecting areas of natural vegetation which provide food and shelter for birds and other species, in agricultural landscapes. 
Pictures of Antarctic Tern taken by Johan Bothma,1968 (left) and John Cooper, 1984 (right
The Antarctic Tern’s closest relative is the Arctic Tern and it is likely that they evolved from Arctic Terns that settled in the south. Among other seabirds, it is less clear in which direction the radiation occurred. Species such as gannets and fulmars are not trans-equatorial migrants and so it is more likely that a few stragglers that crossed the equator established new populations in the opposite hemisphere. (article: “
