Conservation News - December 2024
Positive action for a biodiverse future
Wumindjika (Welcome)
A message from Jessica McKelson, General Manager Conservation
Image 1: Jess and Board Member Kevin Love assisting with the translocation of bush stone-curlews.
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you! A four-year effort has led to the successful reintroduction of 11 majestic bush stone-curlews to Phillip Island (Millowl). As a result of dedicated conservation efforts, these fascinating birds are making a comeback due to a collaborative partnership with Odonata Foundation and the Australian National University.
It was breathtaking to watch these magnificent birds take their first steps toward freedom and a powerful reminder that, together we can make a profound impact on our natural world. The incredibly emotional experience of being a part of this historic milestone, knowing we are contributing to the survival of a threatened species, will remain with us for the rest of our lives. A big thank you to the Penguin Foundation for supporting this species-saving work. This moment is a significant step forward for conservation. The reintroduction marks a crucial milestone in ensuring the survival of this unique species, and we are thrilled to share this progress with you.
Bouncing along well is our Eastern barred bandicoot (EBB) program. The EBBs are continuing to spread across the island, with an increase in the number of sightings around Rhyll, Smiths Beach and Wimbledon Heights. Sightings from the public help us track their spread and can be reported on our EBB sightings portal here.
As the warmer months arrive, it’s a great time to lend a helping hand to our local wildlife. Consider placing water out for animals, creating a wildlife-friendly garden, and slowing down when driving, especially at dawn, dusk and night when wildlife is most active. To report sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, call Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service on 03 8400 7300, available 24/7.
It is our pleasure to share our conservation update with you and we thank you for your support.
Marine Species
Threatened Species
Flora and Revegetation
Wildlife Management
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Published Conservation News
Marine species
Penguins
2024-25 Penguin watch season update
Kat McNamara, Research Officer
The 2024–25 breeding season began with high autumn breeding activity in July, which is unusually early. The early start was reflected in the numbers of penguins crossing the beach at night at the Penguin Parade, which showed higher attendance in the months of May, June and July compared to previous years.
The promising start was followed by challenging conditions. While mid to late August presented positive signs, with most breeding burrows containing chicks and some adults still incubating eggs, the situation deteriorated toward the start of September. The decline reflected in both nightly Penguin Parade numbers and penguin weights, with September showing a reduction in average adult weights to around 1,150 grams, although still above the long-term average of 1,050 grams.
Figure 1: The average number of penguins crossing the Penguin Parade beach each month from 2022 to 2024.
The challenging conditions forced adults to spend longer periods at sea, resulting in less frequent feeding for the chicks and consequently, multiple failed breeding attempts. This is indicated by the drop in nightly Penguin Parade numbers during September.
While these challenges may seem concerning, similar patterns occurred in the previous season when penguins compensated for failed first attempts with more successful second and even third clutches. We remain hopeful for improved conditions that will support more successful breeding attempts in the coming months, ultimately leading to a better overall outcome for the breeding season.
Figure 2: The average weight of little penguins crossing the Penguin Parade automated penguin monitoring system from March 2022 to the end of January 2023. The solid blue line represents the long-term weight average (1,050 grams), the dashed line – the nightly mean weight, and the pink line – the 14-day rolling weight average.
Penguin Summer Projects
Andre Chiaradia, Penguin Scientist
This summer, the penguin team is diving into several exciting projects aimed at developing an understanding of and support for current and future penguin conservation. They are expanding their penguin tracking with spatial distribution research using GPS loggers and analysing penguin vocalisations to understand social and behavioural dynamics at sea. New loggers that allow downloads automatically are being tested, enabling near real-time tracking of penguins' movements. On the other hand, a beach restoration project is on the way for large-scale nourishment on west Summerland Beach to provide better access to the natural habitats for penguins. The team has been boosted with eight researchers, from overseas scientists to PhD students.
Image 2: Students Max and Liam conduct field research.
The sailing drone, nicknamed 'penguin drone', is back in the water
The sailing drone is back on the water, ready to map fish and water quality in the penguins’ foraging areas. Nicknamed 'penguin drone' because it doesn’t fly – just like penguins – this unique sailing drone is helping us unlock vital information into the penguins’ feeding grounds during the breeding season. This eco-friendly, autonomous drone navigates independently, detecting fish schools to show where penguin food is most abundant.
A collaborative effort between the Nature Parks and international partners in France and Sweden, the penguin drone has proven invaluable for sustainable marine research. Its advanced echosounder, or fish finder, maps fish schools, providing our research team with a precise look at penguin food sources. Interpreting this data, however, is no small feat; to streamline the process, our international team is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to automate fish school detection, a breakthrough that could transform how we study marine life. Every bit of information contributes to a better understanding of penguin diets and ultimately helps protect these iconic birds and their habitat.
Image 3: Victorian Fisheries assisting with the deployment of 'penguin drone'.
Australian fur seals
Entanglement study
Rebecca McIntosh, Senior Scientist
Adam Yaney-Keller, PhD Candidate at Monash University, is studying the impact of entanglement on Australian fur seals at Seal Rocks. Using thermal sensors on drones to improve detections, he is also looking at short- and long-term impacts of entanglement on affected seals. This project is funded by WIRES, the Foote Trust, the Australian Wildlife Society, and the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment. Funding from the Penguin Foundation will amplify results from this project for community education and outreach.
Testing of thermal and colour imagery for detecting entangled seals from drones has been completed and the imagery is being analysed. An exciting result so far is that the technology is also useful for detecting other types of wounds, such as shark bites. Preliminary results indicate that a combination of thermal and standard colour sensors may yield the best detections for entanglements.
We have completed the tracking work for the project, attaching trackers to the fur on the back of 24 individuals at Seal Rocks. This included 12 fur seals rescued from entanglement, along with healthy control seals. Their movements and behaviour will be compared to assess the impact of entanglement. These seals were also sampled for health data, including blood samples and body condition measurements. During the final field trip of the study on 9 October 2024, we successfully released a female juvenile from green netting. We first sighted her on Seal Rocks in May 2024, but all previous capture attempts had failed. She was successfully tranquilised via dart-gun by Zoos Victoria Veterinarian Dr Brett Gardner and safely released with tracking devices. Her tracker is working well, and she has been busy exploring the waters around Seal Rocks.
Image 4: An entangled seal pup with mother, identified by drone.
Image 5: Rosie and Adam deploying tags.
Image 6: The pup recovers after the entanglement has been removed and a tag added.
Threatened species
Eastern barred bandicoots
Meagan Tucker, Senior Research Officer
September 2024 saw regular Eastern barred bandicoot (EBB) trapping undertaken across Churchill Island, Fishers Wetland and the Summerland Peninsula.
Over three nights at Churchill Island, the Nature Parks staff and volunteers completed 102 captures of 67 individual EBBs, 37% of which were caught for the first time. Most animals were of average body condition. Breeding was in full swing, with 61 pouch young observed, many of which were large and furred. A significant number of young animals were caught in traps for the first time. Fishers Wetland was also monitored, with 15 captures of 15 individuals, 47% of which were caught for the first time. Pouch young were also observed at Fishers Wetland, though they were not as advanced as Churchill Island. Additionally, the adult body condition was not as good.
Over three nights at the Summerland Peninsula, the team made 37 captures of 24 individuals, 38% of which were seen for the first time. Most animals were in good or average body condition. Fourteen pouch young were observed, and they were generally younger than those at Churchill Island.
Image 7: Volunteer Taylor handling a bandicoot during trapping.
Across these two trapping sessions, 31 volunteers contributed 357 hours over seven days, assisting with trap setting, research assisting, handling and free feeding. Some volunteers have been involved in the bandicoot surveys for several years and are now highly skilled in handling and recording data, which is crucial for the ongoing monitoring of the population. We couldn't this important work without their support.
Image 8: Extent of Eastern barred bandicoot as of October 2024.
Bush stone-curlew release
Kate Adams, Community Impact Manager
The first groups of bush stone-curlews from Mt Rothwell Sanctuary were released on Phillip Island (Millowl) in August 2024, marking the commencement of landmark study in a collaboration between the Nature Parks, Odonata Foundation and the Australian National University. The program is sponsored by the Penguin Foundation. The long-term goal is to improve the viability of the Critically Endangered bush stone-curlew in south-eastern Australia.
Before birds were translocated and released, each bird was checked for body condition, assessed for anti-predator behaviours and fitted with a unique leg flag and GPS backpack to allow researchers to track and monitor movements after release.
Careful consideration was given to the release sites. Suitable habitats included canopy cover, a mix of ground cover and fallen timber that provides shelter while allowing birds to spot potential predators, adequate food availability, existing predator control, distance from roads, and accessibility for the research team.
A total of 12 bush stone-curlews were released. The research team has been closely monitoring the birds using custom-fitted GPS backpacks and individual identification bands to track their habitat use and movement patterns. As the birds adapt to life in the wild, they remain particularly vulnerable. Unfortunately, one bird ventured onto a road at night and was struck by a vehicle – a stark reminder to exercise caution when driving on Phillip Island, especially at dawn, dusk, and night when wildlife is most active.
In November 2024, health checks were conducted, confirming that the 11 birds are doing well and have settled into two different zones around Oswin Roberts and Koala Conservation Reserve. These checks included measuring body weight and condition, assessing the presence of external parasites, conducting a visual assessment of general health, and inspecting the leg bands and GPS devices. The health checks were overseen by species expert Shoshana Rapley from the Australian National University, with support from Aimee Patching, an internship student from Deakin University.
The reintroduction program is being led by Senior Scientist Dr Duncan Sutherland, while PhD Candidate Paula Wasiak, from the Species Coexistence Lab at the Australian National University, is conducting a research study to test and evaluate the reintroduction strategies.
The research will assess the trial and refine the tactics for future releases over a three-year period. Their progress will be assessed by their survival rates, habitat use, movement patterns and reproductive success.  
The Curlew Custodian volunteers continue to support the care and monitoring of the captive birds and were invited to be a part of the first releases. The Community team has recorded this milestone for the Nature Parks Threatened Species Plan and produced some wonderful videos telling the story of the bush stone-curlew return to Millowl. You can watch the videos here.
Image 9: A founding bush stone-curlew.
Image 10: A bush stone-curlew is carefully fitted with a GPS backpack.
Image 11: A group of four birds is released on Phillip Island (Millowl).
Threatened Species Report
To find out more about how the Nature Parks partners with the community on our island haven, download the Threatened Species Report 2023.
Threatened flora
Crimson Berry Genetic Study
Susan Spicer, Ranger
Melbourne University Masters student Molly Bloomfield recently presented the results of several years of research to the Conservation team. Her thesis is titled Phylogeny of the genus Leptecophylla and the population genetics of Leptecophylla oxycedrus (crimson berry), South-Eastern Australia.
This is of great interest to the Nature Parks, as the lack of natural recruitment of the Critically Endangered crimson berry plants occurring on the cliffs of Millowl, led us to question whether these geographically isolated populations were different in some way to other populations and whether inbreeding may be contributing to infertility.
Funding from the Penguin Foundation contributed toward the DNA extraction and sequencing analysis. The study results surprisingly revealed that the Millowl populations form a distinct clade (group), suggesting they likely branched off from the Tasmanian stronghold a long time ago. They are also most closely related to several populations from north-western Tasmania and potentially King Island, rather than their closest geographical neighbours from Wilsons Promontory and Corner Inlet. These in turn are aligned with populations from the Furneax Group and eastern Tasmania. This suggests two staggered routes of colonisation from Tasmania to Victoria – one north-east and one north-west. Seed dispersal was most likely facilitated by birds.
Molly also discovered that, despite being small, the Millowl populations exhibit high genetic diversity. This suggests they were once part of much larger populations prior to land clearance for agriculture, and it also rules out inbreeding as a limiting factor. This is valuable information for managing the populations. To date, we have not been successful in propagating crimson berry plants from seed. However, knowing they are not infertile due to inbreeding allows us to continue seed germination trials, with the goal of eventually introducing more genetically diverse plants into the colonies. Additionally, we now understand that if we wish to introduce plants from other locations, we should source them from the north-western Tasmania or King Island populations.
Image 12: Crimson berry close-up.
Coops and cages in full bloom
Overbrowsing by both native and introduced herbivorous animals has led to the need for protection of rare and vulnerable flora with fencing or cages in many parts of Millowl. Monitoring in spring, when most of the plants are in full bloom, has shown that alleviating the browsing pressure significantly helps maintain floral diversity and is crucial for the survival of many species that would otherwise become locally extinct. All locally found species of the pea family fall into this category and are particularly targeted by herbivorous animals due to their nutritional value.
Since installing a large coop near Rhyll wetland just over two years ago, a healthy population of hundreds of common aotus (flowering plants) and grey parrot pea has emerged where previously there were none. These plants have regenerated naturally from seeds that had been dormant in the soil for many years. In other locations, additional members of the family, including notched bush peas, large bush peas, creeping bossiaea, and running postman, have also naturally emerged.
Sun orchids and onion orchids are also much more prevalent in fenced-off areas or under cages. There are good numbers of these in cages on Summerland Peninsula, including a couple of twisted sun orchids. These were recorded on Millowl for the first time in 2021, and a few have continued to emerge in the same location each year.
The Rhyll wetland coop has hundreds of sun orchids of several different species, including the peppertop sun orchid, previously not recorded on Millowl. There is also evidence of natural recruitment of sun orchids and onion orchids at the old Rhyll landfill site, including a rare yellow form of slender sun orchid. As a result, cages have recently been installed to allow some of them to reach full maturity and set seed.
Image 13: Grey parrot pea in flower.
Image 14: Peppertop sun orchid.
Wildlife management
'Future-Proofing Little Penguins Project'
Simon Heislers, 'Future-Proofing Little Penguins' Project Coordinator
In 2023, over 15,000 indigenous, fire-retardant herbaceous seedlings were planted on the freshly cleared fire breaks on Summerland Peninsula. The goal was to establish ‘green’ firebreaks that provide the same benefit as traditional, bare-earth firebreaks, while also providing habitat for wildlife including, importantly, little penguins.
After one year, just under half of the seedlings planted, which are protected by plant guards on the firebreaks, have survived. Browsing has been identified as the leading contributing factor to mortality, along with local climate and environmental factors. Plant health and planting shock are also significant contributors. While the plants that have survived are now well established, nearly all have been significantly affected by browsing, with most being much smaller in size compared to plants growing under the same conditions but protected from browsers by fencing.
Summerland Peninsula presents a challenging environment for plants to grow, shaped by a harsh coastal climate, large populations of various bird colonies, and browsing by numerous species that now dominate the landscape ecologically. These species occur in such high numbers that they effectively determine what plants thrive, as well as the type and form of vegetation present.
In the 2024 planting season, an additional 6,000 seedlings were planted along the firebreaks, with 5,000 more planted in other areas within the little penguin colony, which is particularly vulnerable to environmental and climatic stresses, especially high summer temperatures. These habitats are either highly degraded or in good condition but lack diversity, offering inadequate protection to nesting little penguins, particularly during extreme heat events, putting them at increased risk of heat stress. With the incidence of heatwaves rising due to climate change, there is growing concern that more intense heat waves will significantly increase mortality within the little penguin colony.
The goal of improving little penguin habitat in exposed areas is primarily to increase the number of trees, shrubs, and the shade, which will directly cool the environment. Additionally, the aim is to improve the diversity and cover of indigenous, herbaceous groundcovers, including those planted on the firebreaks. In addition to being fire retardant, these plants will help insulate habitat from radiant heat/sun and buffer against the effects of heat events.
To increase the chances of successfully establishing trees and shrubs and mitigate the impact of browsing on plantings, several different methods of planting and tree guarding have been trialled this season. Biodegradable cardboard and wire mesh tree guards, and in some cases a combination of the two, have been used to protect seedlings. Plantings have been arranged in clusters of various sizes and arrangements, some very tightly planted, and others more openly spaced. Clusters have been specifically planted in different areas to test whether different structural or vegetative elements in the environment can provide additional protection to plantings and improve planting success. This year’s plantings will be monitored over the coming year, with the effectiveness of the different planting methods being compared. The results will help guide and improve future conservation work on the Summerland Peninsula.
Image 15: Revegetation plantings in little penguin habitat, showing a tight cluster with cardboard tree guards under a dead she oak tree in foreground, and an open cluster with mesh tree guards in degraded grassland in background. Taken in September 2024.
Image 16: Revegetation plantings in tussock grassland, showing open clusters with cardboard and mesh tree guards with a wallaby in the midground. Taken in September 2024.
Koalas
Lachlan Sipthorp, Senior Ranger Koala Conservation Reserve
The Koala Conservation Reserve conducted annual health checks on the captive population, with assistance from Jenny Hibble from Newhaven Veterinary Clinic. These checks included individual weight measurement, body condition scoring, dental checks, pouch inspections, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for chlamydia. Trixie’s young male joey was given a microchip for identification and remains the only joey of the season.
Image 17: Trixie undergoes a health check while her joey is held nearby.
Image 18: Trixie’s joey, approximately eight months old.
We have had two wild koalas come into care over winter and spring. Both individuals have since been released back into Oswin Roberts Reserve, where they were found. One was a younger female, and the other was an older male.
The Koala Conservation Reserve volunteers and Deakin University students assisted rangers with the season's eucalypt planting across the woodland area and plantations, helping to secure future feed for koalas on site. Ranger Blair provided a talk to volunteers about the different eucalypt species preferred by koalas, offering insights into the management of the plantation and its importance in providing supplementary browse for the koalas.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (WRC)
Kimberly Noy, Wildlife Rehabilitation Ranger
Winter and spring proved to be a quiet time for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, providing staff with the opportunity to catch up on maintenance and office work. However, late spring has brought an influx of various species, including little penguins, echidnas, ducklings, seagull chicks, baby birds, Eastern barred bandicoots and a pelican.
Over the summer, we’re expecting high temperatures. You can all help wildlife by leaving bowls of water on the ground, giving birds and mammals access to hydration. If you are concerned about an animal being unwell, please call Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service on 03 8400 7300, available 24/7.
Good news stories
An Eastern barred bandicoot joey was found in the backyard of a community member. The female joey was deemed to be too young to survive on her own, so was raised at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (WRC). After spending one month indoors, she was moved to a purpose-built threatened species pen, where she learned to forage for food and build nests from natural materials. After two months in care, she was successfully released within 50 metres of where she was found, at Cape Woolamai.
Image 19: Eastern barred bandicoot joey in care.
Image 20: The Eastern barred bandicoot joey foraging.
An echidna, which had been hit by a car in Cowes, suffered a fractured beak and required monitoring while it healed over four weeks. The echidna spent two weeks in intensive care, during which its beak swelling was reduced, and it was provided with easy-to-eat food and hideaway areas. It was then moved outside so we could observe it ripping apart rotten logs and burrowing into the ground without further damaging its beak. Once deemed fit for release, it was returned to a quiet area near where it was found.
Image 21: Echidna in care.
Image 22: Echidna in enclosure.
A pelican, commonly seen at the San Remo pelican feeding, was noted to have a bad limp. Upon collection, it was found to have a necrotic wound above its left leg and required surgery at Newhaven Veterinary Clinic. Afterwards, the pelican was taken to the WRC for rehabilitation, where it spent a week in intensive care with antibiotics and pain relief.
It was then moved to the seabird pen, where it had the opportunity to strengthen its leg through swimming and walking. After a significant improvement in its mobility, it was released to Fishers Wetland after 20 days. The animal, now tagged as #519, is hoped to be observed again around San Remo in the coming weeks.
Image 23: Pelican release at Fishers Wetland.
Published Conservation News
Adriaanse, K., Lynch, M., Sutherland, D. R., Traub, R., Lowe, J., and Hufschmid, J. (2024) ‘Toxoplasma gondii does not inhibit the assisted colonization of eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) to Phillip Island’, Victoria, Australia, Journal of Wildlife Diseases 60, 116-125.
Gardner, B. R., A. Stent, R. Bushell, J. P. Y. Arnould, R. McIntosh, K. L. D. T. D. Liyanage, A. Fromant, J. Botha, Y. H. Eizenberg, O. M. Olaogun, M. Marenda, M. Lynch and J. Hufschmid (2024). Surveillance for Toxoplasma gondii, Brucella spp., and Chlamydia spp. in Australian Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) Abortions. Journal of Wildlife Diseases.
Gimeno, M., J. Giménez, A. Chiaradia, L. S. Davis, P. J. Seddon, Y. Ropert-Coudert, R. R. Reisinger, M. Coll and F. RamÃrez (2024) ‘Climate and human stressors on global penguin hotspots: Current assessments for future conservation. Global Change Biology’, 30(1): e17143. A. Chiaradia L. S. Davis, P. J. Seddon, Y. Ropert-Coudert, R. R. Reisinger, M. Coll and F. RamÃrez (2024) ‘Climate and human stressors on global penguin hotspots: Current assessments for future conservation. Global Change Biology’, 30(1): e17143. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17143
Puskic, S. P., R. Holmberg and R. R. McIntosh (2024). ‘Successful citizen science tools to monitor animal populations require innovation and communication: SealSpotter as a case study’. Frontiers in Conservation Science 5: 1-18.
Simpson, M., Dickerson, A.L., Chiaradia A., Davis, L. and Reina, R.D. (2024) Divorce rates are stronger predictors of breeding success in little penguins than foraging behaviour and environmental factors. Authorea. DOI https://doi.org/10.22541/au.172535727.77360644/v1
Young, E. T., J. McKelson, D. Kalstrom, L. Sipthorp, L. Wicker, D. Higgins, C. Marschner, D.S. Nichols, D. Phalen, A.C. Greenvilee, S. Carver. (2024). Pharmacokinetics and safety of topical fluralaner in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). International Journal of Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife 25.