July 25, 2009
Vicious attacks on rare penguins in Sydney's northern beaches have been stopped, according to campaigners.
There was uproar earlier this month after it emerged the famous population of 120 little penguins at Manly and North Head was being mauled by foxes or dogs.
The National Parks Service was so worried about protecting the 60 breeding pairs they stationed two snipers to pick off any beasts trying to pounce on the birds.
Post-mortems have been carried out at Taronga Zoo on the 11 penguins found dead and DNA taken from bite marks has been examined to determine the identity of the attackers.
The National Parks Service even set up infrared sensors around North Head and let a sniffer dog loose to hound out any foxes.
Angelika Treichler, who along with 30 other Manly Environment Centre volunteers patrols Manly in a bid to protect the penguins, says the attacks have completely stopped.
"In total there's been 11 penguins killed now but none in the last two weeks since all this came out," she told AAP.
"I'm sure it is dogs that have been doing this because foxes tear out penguin's guts and eat their livers.
"Dogs just play with them and all the bodies we've found have been relatively few marks on them.
"Ever since it was published that DNA was being tested the attacks have stopped.
"Personally I think that is because dog owners are worried their animals may be identified as being responsible and are now keeping them under better control."
Ms Treichler admits she has snuck onto private beaches to protect the penguins.
There are several private beaches in Manly and North Head where she is not supposed to patrol.
But the campaigner said she could not stand idly by and watch the penguins be attacked.
"Some of the attacks happened on these beaches so we have been on there to make sure no more happen," Ms Treichler said.
Results of the DNA tests carried out on the penguins are due to be available on Wednesday.
Source:
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/penguin-patrol-halts-vicious-attacks-20090725-dws0.html
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