Although the incident occurs in an anomaly, the foundation’s experts are concerned that the lack of sufficient food could have long-term consequences for the Cape’s crow in the future.
On the west coast of southern Africa is the Benguela Stream, a piece of fresh, nutrient-rich water that generally allows small fish to bloom. But rising ocean temperatures due to the climate crisis could hamper this productivity.
Last month it recorded ocean temperatures on Robben Island up to 3.6 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) above normal, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While it may only be driven by natural variability, it is also a worrying sign of what might come as the world continues to warm, altering the balance of ecosystems.
The foundation’s response director, Nicky Stander, said so AFP that if the amount of food continues to decline, abandonment is likely to be more frequent. Sea crows could even stop breeding all together, he said.
“For years we have seen diminutive birds entering the center,” Stander told AFP. “What scares us is that this will happen more and more in the future.”