Black Shag
VU

Black Shag

Phalacrocorax carbo

UnknownNTNPLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_cormorant

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The White-breasted Cormorant faces significant pressure from habitat degradation across its African range, particularly through wetland drainage and pollution of freshwater systems. Overfishing by commercial operations reduces prey availability, while human disturbance at breeding colonies disrupts nesting success. Climate change is altering water levels and fish distribution patterns, further compromising feeding opportunities in key habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

White-breasted Cormorants inhabit freshwater lakes, rivers, dams, and coastal lagoons across sub-Saharan Africa. They prefer large water bodies with abundant fish populations and require nearby trees or cliffs for colonial nesting sites.

FRESHWATER· majorMARINE· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Phalacrocoracidae

European ShagVU

European Shag

Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Unknown
Flightless CormorantVU

Flightless Cormorant

Phalacrocorax harrisi

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Black Shag classified as Vulnerable?
Black Shag is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The White-breasted Cormorant faces significant pressure from habitat degradation across its African range, particularly through wetland drainage and pollution of freshwater systems. Overfishing by commercial operations reduces prey availability, while human disturbance at breeding colonies disrupts nesting success. Climate change is altering water levels and fish distribution patterns, further compromising feeding opportunities in key habitats.
Where does Black Shag live?
Black Shag occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Black Shag?
The main threats to Black Shag are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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