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Rancher Becomes Unlikely Guardian of Rare Penguin Colony
14 May
Summary
- A private reserve protects the world's only continental king penguin colony.
- Invasive predators threatened penguin chicks, requiring unique deterrents.
- Ecotourism funds the conservation efforts, ensuring a sustainable future.
In Chile's Useless Bay, a unique king penguin colony, the only one on the continent, has found a guardian in Cecilia Durán Gafo. Initially drawn to her land in the early 1990s, the penguins faced severe threats from human exploitation, including egg theft and capture for zoos and private ownership. This led to a drastic population decline.
Durán established a private reserve, dedicating 30 hectares of her farm to protect the vulnerable birds. Her efforts extended to combating invasive species such as minks and grey foxes, which preyed on penguin chicks and eggs. For years, her team implemented strategies like luring predators away with meat scraps and using dogs to mark territory.
Today, the reserve, legally protected for 100 years, is run by a team of 12 specialists. It thrives on ecotourism, attracting around 15,000 visitors annually. This funding supports the growing colony, which has reached nearly 200 penguins, with a record 23 chicks surviving last year. Research indicates these penguins exhibit exceptional foraging plasticity, a trait that may aid their survival against climate change impacts.
