In the busy metropolitan Derwent estuary little penguins (Eudyptula minor), also known as fairy penguins, can be found foraging offshore and nesting on the foreshore. However, over the years their numbers have declined rapidly. The Derwent penguin population is now highly vulnerable due to continuing habitat loss and attacks by wandering dogs and cats.
The Derwent Estuary Penguin Project is working to ensure that the estuary remains a safe and attractive place for little penguins. Stage 1 of the project saw the mapping of penguin habitat, nesting sites and threats. A monitoring program also collected baseline data on nesting and breeding success, and the community was provided with information on sharing the Derwent with little penguins.
Stage 2 of the project implemented recommendations that saw 85% of the Derwent penguin population benefit from the installation of artificial burrows, fencing and revegetation. Stage 3 of the project is expanding the restoration work for breeding habitat and evaluating sites for recolonisation of penguins throughout the estuary. Management Guidelines have been developed and a regional workshop held to assist in transferring knowledge to other penguin managers in Tasmania.
A purpose-built 'burrowscope' has also been developed to allow scientists to monitor penguin numbers and breeding activity of the Derwent Estuary penguin population.
The burrowscope consists of an infra-red illuminated camera, connected to a two-metre, flexible conduit lead, and a standard computer monitor. The camera gives researchers a bird's eye view of the contents of the nest.
A survey in 2004/05 by the Biodiversity Conservation Branch (DPIW) revealed that about 120 breeding pairs of penguins nested at sites around the Derwent foreshore. Monitoring over 2008/09 season saw an increase in active nests, not only at sites with management initiatives, but even those without. There are now 177 breeding pairs across 13 active sites.
The Derwent Estuary Penguin Project is funded by the Australian Government Envirofund and sponsored by the Tasmanian Conservation Trust. Additional support has been provided by the Mercury, Wrest Point, Hobart City Council, Kingborough Council, Clarence City Council, Biodiversity Conservation Branch (DPIW), Taroona Environment Network, Parks and Wildlife Service, Birds Tasmania and the Understorey Network.
The Derwent Estuary Penguin Project is working to ensure that the estuary remains a safe and attractive place for little penguins. Stage 1 of the project saw the mapping of penguin habitat, nesting sites and threats. A monitoring program also collected baseline data on nesting and breeding success, and the community was provided with information on sharing the Derwent with little penguins.
Stage 2 of the project implemented recommendations that saw 85% of the Derwent penguin population benefit from the installation of artificial burrows, fencing and revegetation. Stage 3 of the project is expanding the restoration work for breeding habitat and evaluating sites for recolonisation of penguins throughout the estuary. Management Guidelines have been developed and a regional workshop held to assist in transferring knowledge to other penguin managers in Tasmania.
A purpose-built 'burrowscope' has also been developed to allow scientists to monitor penguin numbers and breeding activity of the Derwent Estuary penguin population.
The burrowscope consists of an infra-red illuminated camera, connected to a two-metre, flexible conduit lead, and a standard computer monitor. The camera gives researchers a bird's eye view of the contents of the nest.
A survey in 2004/05 by the Biodiversity Conservation Branch (DPIW) revealed that about 120 breeding pairs of penguins nested at sites around the Derwent foreshore. Monitoring over 2008/09 season saw an increase in active nests, not only at sites with management initiatives, but even those without. There are now 177 breeding pairs across 13 active sites.
The Derwent Estuary Penguin Project is funded by the Australian Government Envirofund and sponsored by the Tasmanian Conservation Trust. Additional support has been provided by the Mercury, Wrest Point, Hobart City Council, Kingborough Council, Clarence City Council, Biodiversity Conservation Branch (DPIW), Taroona Environment Network, Parks and Wildlife Service, Birds Tasmania and the Understorey Network.
