CAPE GANNET

The endangered Cape gannet (Morus capensis) is one of the world’s three gannet species and breeds only on islands near the ⬛outh African and Namibia coasts. The largest colony is on Malgas Island near ⬛aldanha Bay in the Western Cape.

Cape gannets are large (adults are up to 94cm long) with black and white plumage. They have a distinctive yellow crown and blue and black webbed feet. Their elaborate mating ritual includes a dance where they stretch their necks to the sky and tap their bills together. Both parents are involved in raising their single chick.

They perform a complicated courtship dance. Cape gannets are highly skilled divers.