CAPE Town will host an international conference on conservation of the southern hemisphere’s threatened seabirds at the end of January, environmental affairs and tourism ministry officials said. Over 50 delegates and observers from 17 countries are expected to attend the seven-day gathering which will be sponsored by the governments of South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Birdlife International scientists fear that up to 26 species of albatross and petrel may be in danger of extinction unless firm steps are taken to reverse destructive effects of among other things, longline fishing and pollution.