Penguin slaughter
A BIRDLIFE expert says it’s time to “get serious” about protecting penguins after more were found dead on a Tasmanian beach.
Fourteen little penguins have been found dead at Bicheno, taking the total number killed in the past 12 months to almost 200.
It is not yet known how the penguins died but it is understood the wounds were consistent with a dog attack.
“We have reached a turning point in terms of penguin survival,” Birdlife Tasmania’s Eric Woehler said.
THE bodies of more little penguins have been found on a beach in North-East Tasmania, taking the total number killed in the past 12 months to almost 200.
This time, 14 penguin carcasses were found on Waubs Esplanade near the Blowhole at Bicheno.
More than 40 were killed by dogs at Doctors Rocks near Wynyard last month, with several chicks orphaned.
It has not yet been determined how the penguins at Bicheno died but it is understood the wounds were consistent with a dog attack.
“We have reached a turning point in terms of penguin survival,” Birdlife Tasmania’s Eric Woehler said.
“Tasmania is now on the international stage and one of the biggest drawcards is our wildlife. It is time to get serious about protecting it.”
He said the found carcasses could be just “the tip of the iceberg”. “Others have been shoved inside bags inside garbage bins. How many are being killed that are not reported?”
The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment said the 14 penguin carcasses were collected from Bicheno by the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council.
Agency staff have taken them to the Mt Pleasant Laboratories in Launceston for post mortem examinations to determine the cause of death and an onsite investigation is taking place.
Dr Woehler said he had been aghast to learn the council was considering opening up an off-leash dog area near the penguin site and he hoped the latest attack would change that policy.
Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff said the latest attack took the number of little penguins killed by dog attacks this past year to at least 183.
“These are shocking numbers. The Hodgman Government is wasting time by only focusing on legislation for tougher penalties for dog owners. This is clearly just a small part of the solution,” she said.
“Experts have been calling for resourcing to map population places and penguin numbers, surveillance cameras and enforcement.”
DPIPWE said it took all reports of injured or harmed wildlife seriously and anyone with information about attacks on penguins should call Parks and Wildlife compliance unit on 0488 184 847 and/or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.