Rockingham locals call for the state government to take action over the rapidly declining population of little penguins on Penguin Island, with just 114 birds remaining.
Measures like expanded season closures at the island are being implemented to limit population decline.
University of Western Australia researcher Dr Belinda Cannell has been studying the the birds for three decades and identified just 114 little penguins on her last count in late 2023.She said motorised watercraft activity, the warming climate and the island's high tourism levels have all contributed to the drastic drop in numbers.
"We can fix this. It doesn't have to be dire. I've spoken to the scientists, and they know what needs doing. But the scientists need to take charge of this and be allowed to by the government." Other protective measures include an extension of the island's winter closure period and the halting of plans for a new discovery centre.The island will also be closed on days when temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius, the point at which little penguins become heat stressed." knew this was coming. The scientists have been warning this for decades, we've had population studies since 2007… and still they've failed to act," Ms Jecks said.
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