Granite Island little penguin numbers drop dramatically
(ABC TV)
4 August, 2012
"Last year the population was estimated to be 102 individuals."
The surveys are conducted during daylight hours by checking the amount of active burrows and nesting place, when the animals are expected to be on land.
"We'll confirm this next week, but it looks like there could be a population of around 20 on the island now."
Another possible reason was predation from the local New Zealand fur seal colony.
"There is also potential that there may not be enough food out there for the little penguins.
"We hope that this decline isn't across the state, but we think that other populations could also be declining and we really need to get the research increased in those areas."
CEO of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Alan Holmes, told 891 Breakfast there may be very little the department can do to help the penguins.
"We actually don't understand why these colonies have diminished," Mr Holmes said.
He said the decline could be attributed to the increase in New Zealand fur seals, a change in diet, or possibly disease.
"Sometimes these things are so complex that you search for an answer and you don't find it.
"Despite all of the research that we have done, it is still very difficult to determine what is going on."
source
4 August, 2012
Numbers for Granite Island's native little penguin population have
fallen dramatically over the past decade.
Census results from a Friends of Encounter Seabirds
survey on the island has reported population numbers have dwindled from
an estimated 1600 to 1800 penguins in 2000 to just 20.
"It's been decreasing by around 30 per cent each year," Natalie Bool told 891 Drive."Last year the population was estimated to be 102 individuals."
The surveys are conducted during daylight hours by checking the amount of active burrows and nesting place, when the animals are expected to be on land.
"We'll confirm this next week, but it looks like there could be a population of around 20 on the island now."
Natural predation or pesky pets
Natalie said the little penguins had been prone to foxes eating eggs, and dog and cat attacks.Another possible reason was predation from the local New Zealand fur seal colony.
"There is also potential that there may not be enough food out there for the little penguins.
"We hope that this decline isn't across the state, but we think that other populations could also be declining and we really need to get the research increased in those areas."
CEO of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Alan Holmes, told 891 Breakfast there may be very little the department can do to help the penguins.
"We actually don't understand why these colonies have diminished," Mr Holmes said.
He said the decline could be attributed to the increase in New Zealand fur seals, a change in diet, or possibly disease.
"Sometimes these things are so complex that you search for an answer and you don't find it.
"Despite all of the research that we have done, it is still very difficult to determine what is going on."
source
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