HC Deb 22 January 1996 vol 270 cc9-10W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the population change in Gentoo and Magellanic penguins in the Falkland Islands over the last 10 years. [10160]

Sir Nicholas Bonsor

There is insufficient recorded material from which to draw detailed conclusions on the state of the penguin populations in the Falkland Islands.

A recent survey of Gentoo penguins indicates that there are approximately 65,000 breeding pairs which suggest a decline of around 10 per cent. over the last 10 years.

An accurate estimate of the population of Magellanic penguins is more difficult. Figures based on recent study plots suggest a very approximate total of 300,000 breeding pairs, which could show a decrease of up to 30 per cent. over the past five years.