Cape Town's iconic sea birds at risk amid ongoing sewage overflows, experts warn

The recent sewage leaks across Cape Town could lead to an increased risk for marine and wildlife, and pose a larger threat to the lives of endangered seabirds across the region, experts have warned.

While the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob) reported not receiving any complaints relating to the sewage spills, Dr David Roberts, the clinical veterinarian at Sanccob, pointed out that among the seabirds at risk were endangered species, such as the African Penguin, Cape Gannet and Cape Cormorant.

"Any species that is already in danger of extinction is more at risk when there is a sudden new threat compared with species that have healthy populations," he explained.