Page 304 - Atlas Sea Birds Ver1

facing north when viewed from the west (Brooke, 1986). the shore of Lambert’s Bay but was artificially joined to the
Seals have bred at this locality since at least 1828 (Best mainland by a causway (Jarvis and Cram 1971). It was
and Shaughnessy 1979) and have historically coexisted historically a seabird breeding island (hence the name)
with seabirds there. Cape (Phalacrocorax capensis) and that was occasionally used by seals (Rand 1972). About
Crowned (Microcarbo coronatus) cormorants bred at the 17 seals without pups were seen in 1974 but pupping
island and guano harvesting was conducted there (Zeed- commenced in the 1980s (Oosthuizen and David 1988),
erberg, 1924; Brooke, 1986). In the past, a cable car sys- through the natural immigration of seals. A disturbance
tem allowed access to the island during harvesting, but this program was conducted outside the seal breeding season
has since become unserviceable and has disintegrated. to discourage their settlement but was unsuccessful.
The locality is now predominantly a seal breeding colony, However, the seals have been prevented from encroaching
although some cormorants can be seen roosting. An aver- on the main breeding areas of Cape Gannets (Morus
age of 3,492 pups were counted on four surveys conducted capensis) and cormorants.
between 2011 and 2020. Conservation status: The island forms part of the Bird
Conservation status: The island was declared a Provin- Island Nature Reserve. It was declared as such in terms
cial Nature Reserve in terms of Section 6 the Nature of section 6 of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 1974
Con- servation Ordinance, 1974 (Official Gazette 4524, (Official Gazette 4524, 1988). There is controlled access
1988). The adjacent mainland is a mining area with to the island, but visitors are not allowed to approach the
restricted access. seal colony closely.
Eco-tourism: None. Eco-tourism: The island is open to the public for viewing
Harvesting status: Harvesting ceased in 1976 (Wickens of Cape Gannets from a purpose-built vantage point. This
et al. 1991). facility reduces disturbance to the fauna.
Harvesting status: No harvesting has been conducted
9. Cape Donkin at this locality.
Coordinates: 31.913 S; 18.274 E
Status: Limited breeding 11. Elands Bay
Description: This mainland, rocky colony was discovered Coordinates: 32.309 S 18.309 E
and photographed in December 2020. It is situated on the Status: Limited breeding
south point of Donkin’s Bay, north of Lambert’s Bay in the Description: This rocky haul-out site is situated on the
Western Cape Province of South Africa. It has large boul- south point (Cape Deseada) of Eland’s Bay. The colo-
ders and crevices that provide shaded areas for seals ny lies opposite a gravel road that connects the town of
to rest in. Higher boulders had discolouration consistent Elands Bay with others to the south. The town’s residents
with the effect of seabird guano droppings. About 1,064 are heavily dependent on fishing, which has led to seal-
seals and 10 pups were counted on aerial photos taken human conflicts and regular disturbance of the colony.
in 2020. However, there were more seals than those Consequently, it is mostly occupied by adult seals. Aerial
captured on the images. Seals reacted to the helicopter and surveys of the colony since 2008 indicated that between
entered the sea as the pilot was lining up for a better angle. 246 and 496 adult seals used the area during the breeding
Conservation status: Limited access and activities as it season. Production has not surpassed 45 pups since the
falls within an isolated, privately owned area. commencement of surveys in 2008.
Eco-tourism: None. Conservation status: There is unrestricted access to the
Harvesting status: This colony was established in the colony due to its vicinity to the road into the town. Tourists
post-harvesting period in South Africa. may approach the colony and it has also been subjected to
deliberate disturbance due to perceived competition with
10. Lambert’s Bay (Bird Island) local fisheries. Breeding is unlikely to be sustained unless
the area is fenced off.
Coordinates: 32.088 S; 18.301 E Eco-tourism: Opportunistic tourism.
Status: Breeding
Description: This locality was an island about 100 m off Harvesting status: This colony was established in the
post-harvesting period in South Africa.

An aerial view of the Cape Donkin seal colony An aerial view of the Lambert’s Bay seal colony

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