Hopes for more fledglings, as new research uncovers what makes little penguins resilient

More little penguins are attempting a rare second clutch this breeding season, fuelling hopes it could improve breeding outcomes and significantly boost the number of fledglings at Phillip Island’s iconic Penguin Parade this year.
New international research, just released, has examined climate and human stressors on 18 penguin species in penguin hotspots across the world, including Phillip Island, uncovering key information about how targeted local management is making penguins more resilient.
The study, published in the Global Change Biology journal, is part of an international effort of scientists from Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, including Phillip Island Nature Parks, highlighting the need to prioritise effective conservation strategies.
The research provides insights into how different challenges, from changes in sea environments due to climate shifts, to the impact of industrial fisheries, and human disturbances on land are affecting penguins around the world.
Phillip Island Nature Parks Marine Scientist Associate Professor Andre Chiaradia said penguins on Phillip Island, like their counterparts across the globe, faced unique challenges and there was a need for collective action to protect the incredible birds.
In this current breeding season under a strong El Nino year, the little penguin breeding season saw challenges like irregular parental care and extended foraging trips, causing food shortages and increased chick mortality.
“Global studies are crucial in understanding the broader picture of environmental challenges and wildlife conservation but are also essential for informing local conservation efforts,” Associate Professor Chiaradia said.
“Despite these setbacks, the resilient little penguins are now attempting a second clutch, an ability observed in less than four per cent of seabird species. If successful, this could significantly boost the fledgling success of this battling season.”
Dr Francisco Ramirez, from the Institut de Ciències del Mar in Barcelona, said by examining trends, threats, and conservation strategies on a global scale, researchers could identify patterns, shared problems, and potential solutions that transcend individual regions.
“We're witnessing firsthand the impact of global environmental changes on the iconic penguin populations. This highlights the urgency for local and global communities to come together and implement effective conservation measures," Dr Ramírez said.
Click here to view the study.