Latest Low Head penguin deaths ‘consistent with a dog attack’, say DPIPWE experts
Fourteen more little penguins have been killed by dogs in northern Tasmania as frustrated wildlife authorities and the local council work to develop strategies to better protect the birds.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
FOURTEEN more little penguins have been killed by dogs at Low Head in northern Tasmania as frustrated wildlife authorities and the local council work to develop strategies to better protect the birds.
It is the third fatal attack on penguins in the area in the past nine months.
Ranger patrols and dog-proof fencing are among the protection measures being considered to save one of Tasmania’s favourite native species from dog attack.
In October last year more than 50 birds died in a dog attack. That incident followed another in June in which a dozen birds were killed by dogs in the Low Head Conservation Area.
DOG ATTACK BLAMED FOR DEATH OF PENGUINS
A Friends of Low Head Penguins group was set up in response.
George Town Mayor Bridget Archer described the latest attack as “infuriating” and the council needed community help to bring the situation under control.
“People need to be responsible for their animals and the public needs to be vigilant and report dogs at large,” she said.
“This is a massive problem which not only impacts on the vulnerable penguin population but the tourism industry as well.”
The Department of Primary Industry, Parks, Water and Environment said the latest carcasses were discovered by local residents and PWS staff near the Low Head Lighthouse.
They died between Friday and Sunday last week.
Rangers remain at the site and will collect the carcasses for investigation.
“They are also continuing to monitor the area, including early morning and evening (dog walking time) patrols of the area to demonstrate presence and opportunity to liaise with dog owners,” DPIPWE said.
“Necropsies of some of the carcasses have been completed at the Mt Pleasant Labs in Launceston and the cause of death is consistent with a dog attack.”
DPIPWE said it was working with George Town Council, local tour operators and other business and community groups to continue to develop strategies to strengthen protection measures for little penguins.
These strategies may include enhanced signage, fencing, education campaigns, and patrols and monitoring.
“The department is committed to ensuring appropriate protection for the iconic little penguin in Tasmania,” it said.
Significant resources are being allocated towards research and assessment, compliance and education campaigns.”
MORE TASSIE NEWS TODAY
NEW LOCKOUT LAW CALLS AFTER NIGHTCLUB FATALITY
MIXED RESPONSE TO COUNCIL’S PLASTIC BAN BID
Loggers’ year-long discrimination case dismissed
A 16-month long discrimination case filed by logging supporters against the Bob Brown Foundation has been dismissed. What the anti-discrimination commissioner had to say.
Industry support for $65m Kangaroo Bay Hotel project
While in the midst of legal battles for the project, Kangaroo Bay Hotel developer Chambroad has received some industry support for the $65m plan: Who’s behind it: