Thursday, August 22, 2013

Granite Island penguin census delayed

The Granite Island Little Penguin census which usually occurs every August has been delayed until October.

Department of Environment, Water & Natural Resources (DEWNR) spokesperson said the census has been delayed due to ecologist advice.

"According to the ecologist the breeding season is going later than usual, so the census has been delayed until October," the spokesperson said.

The penguin numbers have been in rapid decline on Granite Island with the census in 2012 finding only 26 penguins, which is a stark contrast to the 1548 found in 2001.

City of Victor Harbor mayor Graham Philp is currently trying to raise funds to research the demise of the penguins on the island and at a dinner on June 14, $9000 was raised to investigate the causes.
"We need to research the plight of Little Penguins throughout the state and to identify exact numbers and whether they are endangered," Mr Philp said.

"Qualified researchers have identified the highest risk factor to Little Penguins on Granite Island is the New Zealand Fur Seal.

"In a report, researchers suggested Little Penguins be listed as vulnerable.

"We know for a fact they are endangered on Granite Island, but are still regarded as a common species."

Mr Philp said the state government has begun DNA testing of Little Penguins state wide.
"This research is crucial to finding out why the penguins are in decline and a way to go forward," Mr Philp said.

"I would like to thank the state minister for environment Ian Hunter for acting on information, so we can go forward and achieve some results.

The Penguin Interpretive Centre on Granite Island is permitted to have 10 Little Penguins in the enclosure and a permit to breed two penguins a year.

It was reported in The Times on June 20 that nine penguin eggs were destroyed in 2012, due to the permit allowing only two to be bred each year.

The $9000 raised at the Save the Penguins Dinner is in a Victor Harbor & Port Elliot  Lions Club bank account.

source 

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