abstract:Bird Island is a man-made platform off the coast of Namibia between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. It serves as a breeding ground for birds (primarily Cape Cormorants) and yields guano which is collected and sold.
The researchers wanted to observe the impact on New Zealand gloxinia of these disappearing bird populations and so compared the situation on the mainland with that of three nearby islandbird sanctuaries where the birds remain abundant.
Excursions include diving, sailing, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, swimming with dolphins, championship golf, windsurfing, eco-tours, a trip to the Contoy Islandbird sanctuary, guided nature walks, jungle river trips, fishing and day trips to the ancient Maya ruins in the area.