Behavioural analysis of the endangered African penguin

Discover novel insights into the behaviours of the Endangered African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). Not enough behavioural insights are known about this species with respect to different contexts. We will develop automated machine learning algorithms that can learn about penguin behaviours – from video and acoustic recordings – within a colony setting and within an individual or smaller group setting. Different contexts will be analysed such as penguins in captivity as opposed to in the wild, seasonality and how the presence of humans or other species impact their individual and social behaviours. Video and acoustic data will be collected at key sites such as Stony Point, Simon’s Town, Algoa Bay, St Croix (Port Elizabeth) and the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Date: December 2023