MALARIA IN WILD AND CAPTIVE JACKASS PENGUINS <i>SPHENISCUS DEMERSUS</i> ALONG THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN COAST

Abstract

Summary Brossy, J-J. 1992. Malaria in wild and captive Jackass Penguins Spheniscus demersus along the southern African coast. Ostrich 63: 10–12. Avian malaria has been commonly reported in surveys of penguins of the genus Spheniscus, particular1 from American zoos. We have found similar infections in about 15% of penguins being kept at SANC-COB (South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). However we found only one doubtful positive identification of Plasmodium relictum in samples taken from over 140 wild birds, and conclude that it is rare in free-living Jackass Penguins in their natural habitat. Problems of prophylaxis in captive populations are discussed.