Little Penguin Meeting Summary September 2025
The Little Penguin Group meets regularly to share updates, support conservation projects, and strengthen community involvement in protecting Eden’s Little Penguin colonies. Below is a summary of the September 2025 meeting.
Little Penguin Science Report
The current Little Penguin breeding season on the east coast is showing positive signs, with plentiful food sources such as anchovies and tuna. However, not all colonies are thriving equally.
Discussion followed about the discovery of two deceased penguins and the challenges of managing predators at the site. Fencing and cameras were deemed unsuitable due to terrain and vandalism risks. Members were encouraged to use the “FeralScan” app to report fox and rabbit sightings, supporting local wildlife management efforts.
Recent fieldwork included the installation of additional artificial nests, microchipping of penguins, and observations of active nest sites. A newly identified area, has also shown signs of penguin activity. Temporary fencing has been erected to protect chicks, and surveys continue to record nesting progress. Despite recent fox kills, several nests remain active.
The next survey is scheduled for mid-October to retrieve SD cards and assess site activity.
Community Outreach
The group has been active in promoting Little Penguin awareness and local conservation initiatives. Recent highlights include:
ABC Radio interviews discussing the Art Competition and Little Penguin conservation work.
Coverage in the Bega District News.
A public talk at Eden Cemetery for the Atlas of Life/BVSC program.
A presentation at the Bournda Environmental Education Centre.
The Little Penguin Art Competition has been a great success, inspiring creativity while raising awareness of Eden’s Little Penguin population. The winning artworks are currently on display in local libraries as part of a roving exhibition, celebrating local talent and environmental engagement.
Plans are being explored to transform some of the winning designs into community merchandise—such as stickers, hats, T-shirts, and greeting cards—to support fundraising and promote the Little Penguin conservation message.
The group continues to strengthen community connections through events such as Eden’s Whale Festival, educational talks, and local partnerships with schools, libraries, and environmental groups.
Lovely volunteers at Eden’s Whale Festival.
Monitoring and Updates
A roster for monitoring Little Penguin landings at nesting sites is underway, with the goal of improving our understanding of local Little Penguin behaviour while minimising disturbance. Members expressed strong interest in participating, and a trial schedule will be coordinated in the coming weeks.
The monitoring will focus on quiet, low-impact observation methods—such as distant visual counts and the use of red-light torches where necessary—to ensure the Little Penguin’s natural behaviours are not disrupted. This work will help the group gather valuable data on Little Penguin arrival times, numbers, and seasonal trends, supporting future conservation planning.
To streamline coordination, a WhatsApp group has been set up for quick updates, roster sharing, and photo logging (where appropriate). Members can use the group to share sightings, conditions, or volunteer availability in real time. Anyone wishing to be part of the monitoring team or the communication group is encouraged to contact Wendy Noble.
To further support the Little Penguin population, we’ve prepared new nesting sites in various areas. These artificial nests are designed to provide safe, sheltered spaces for Little Penguins to lay their eggs and raise their young. We are also working on installing additional nests in areas that have been less impacted by the heavy seas, ensuring that Little Penguins have multiple options for nesting.
Volunteers will continue monitoring these new nests and will be making regular visits to track the Little Penguin's progress throughout the rest of the breeding season.
