Protecting vulnerable Little Penguins
Further action is being taken to address the dramatic decline in the population of Little Penguins on Penguin Island within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, about 50 kms south of Perth.
A newly formed independent Little Penguin Advisory Group will support a range of efforts by the WA Government to protect Penguin Island, where research shows the major factor in the decline of the island’s penguin population has likely been a reduction in food sources due to warming sea temperatures.
The group, chaired by Western Australian Marine Science Institute CEO Dr Luke Twomey, will comprise scientists, marine park coordinators and local representatives.
Its work will include a review of recent relevant national and international findings and initiatives, consideration of current management activities, existing and emerging pressures, and impacts to Little Penguin populations in WA.
The group will also identify opportunities for collaboration with external parties, including university researchers, non-government organisations, community members, local government representatives, and interstate land managers and scientists.
WA Government conservation initiatives already in place include:
- extending the island’s winter closure period;
- not proceeding with plans to build a new discovery centre on the island; and
- closing Penguin Island to visitors on days when the temperature is forecast to exceed 35 degrees Celsius.
Other actions taken include providing water bowls and nest boxes for the penguins, weed management and rehabilitation of native vegetation, and enforcing an eight-knot vessel speed restriction.
WA is home to several other Little Penguin colonies, including on Garden Island, St Alouarn Island off Cape Leeuwin, and various islands between Albany and east of Esperance.
