PETER COLLINS
19 Nov, 2009
WARRNAMBOOL'S endangered penguin colony has been jeopardised by trespassers tampering with breeding boxes and trampling burrows on Middle Island.
Two chicks are missing, believed dead, after the trespassing this week.
"These people are placing the little penguin colony at risk," city council environment officer Ian Fitzgibbon said yesterday.
"There are penguin chicks in burrows and nesting boxes and any disturbance can potentially result in penguin deaths."
Trespassers risk a $550 fine. Mr Fitzgibbon said staff noticed the damage when they conducted their fortnightly check on Tuesday.
"Several burrows were trampled on and breeding boxes were pulled out and tampered with," he said.
"We are not sure what happened to the two chicks which were in the trampled burrows.
"They are unaccounted for and it's very likely they are dead. This island is closed for a reason, to protect the colony.
"There's a gate blocking the entrance and big 'no entrance' signs, but unfortunately people still go there without authorisation."
Penguin colony numbers have been steadily increasing after years of attacks by foxes and maurading dogs which almost wiped out the population five years ago.
Volunteers last counted 64 adult penguins and the population is expected to build in coming weeks towards the peak of breeding season. Mr Fitzgibbon said he hoped numbers would reach 100 again.
"It is imperative that people remain off the island to ensure the penguins have the best chance of survival."
People wanting to visit the island can join free guided tours in summer where guides would speak about the penguins and Maremma guard dogs which have been used to ward off predators.
The Maremmas, Eudy and Tula, have been visiting the island almost daily to deter foxes. A female fox was killed in the area on Monday.
"Penguin counts are on a par with the past two years, although we are not quite sure how the rest of the season will go considering the recent deaths of shearwaters which were well underweight," he said.
Source:
http://www.standard.net.au/news/local/news/general/chicks-missing-after-intruders-trample-penguin-colony/1681455.aspx
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