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Unusual Predatory Behaviour by Mole Snake on African Penguin at Robben Island

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Robben Island, Table Bay, South Africa, is an Important Bird Area, and many of the seabird species breeding on Robben Island are of conservation concern. In particular, the African Penguin Spheniscus demersus is Critically Endangered. The island hosts 18 species of reptiles. During the 2024 annual African Penguin census, a Mole Snake Pseudaspis cana was observed attempting to constrict and presumably overpower an adult African Penguin. This is a phenomenon which has not previously been observed. This incident serves as a reminder of the many challenges face by the African Penguin.

Source: Biodiversity Observations

DOI: 10.15641/bo.1866

Authors: Makhudu Josiah Masotla, Bruce Dyer, Thando Cebekhulu, Leshia Visagie, Avumile Bawuli, Azwianewi Makhado

Institutions: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, University of Cape Town, FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, Shanghai Ocean University

Language: English

Topic: Avian ecology and behavior

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Earthwatch Institute, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

OpenAlex ID: W4415032753

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