Objectives: The fundamental aim of this project is to combine genetic and demographic
data about NSW Little Penguins to forecast likely population changes under a range of
possible natural and anthropogenic threats.
To target this aim, genetic data on population size and connectivity between Little Penguin
populations in NSW will be collected (1), along with demographic data on population size,
mortality and dispersal using data in existing databases and additional surveys (2).
Furthermore, genetic estimates obtained in (1) will be combined with estimates based on
data collected in (2).
Finally, these data will be incorporated into a population viability analysis (PVA) model to
evaluate the likely outcomes of different threats and management strategies. The project will
therefore help accomplish the objectives of a Recovery Plan for the endangered Manly Little
Penguins, i.e. research into the ecology of the population. Specifically, by looking at the level
of gene flow and migration between the Manly and other NSW penguin populations, the
impact of threats and management strategies can be assessed.
Description of Action: Genetic samples (from blood) and demographic data of several Little
Penguin populations in NSW will be collected. Data will be analysed for connectivity among the
different sites. Approximately 50-100 individual penguins will be sampled per population and
available demographic data will be augmented by those acquired during this project. This project
is an extension of a previous project aimed at completing the data set and improving the quality
of estimates such as population size, survival rates and gene flow among populations, which are
important factors to incorporate in a final Population Viability Analysis for Eastern Australian
penguin populations.
Specifically, genetic samples of 50-100 Little Penguins on Bowen Island will be collected by
capturing the birds and taking a blood sample:
A. Methods of pursuit and capture
Penguins will either be removed from their burrow/nest box, which they remain in when they
are at the colony in daylight hours, or captured as they are coming ashore in the evening. To
do this, plastic mesh of 5 cm diameter will be erected along the back of the beach. As the
penguins reach a specific area along the fence, they will be corralled. Penguins are captured
by holding them loosely with a one handed open grip at the neck. The other hand is placed
under their feet to support their weight. Captured penguins will be removed from the
corralled area, placed in large plastic tubs with adequate ventilation, and moved to an area
with sufficient light.
B. Measurements and sampling
The penguins are manually restrained by placing a loose hood over their head and holding
them firmly on your lap. Morphometric measurements are taken with a tape measure. A
genetic sample will be collected by taking a small sample of blood (ca. 100 microlitres) from
the metatarsal vein by pricking it with a sterile needle.
C. Identification
A traditional mark-recapture survey is used to estimate survival and assess the reliability of
estimates based on burrow occupancy (Roth & Amrhein 2010). Each individual will be
checked for identification (bird band or implanted microchip - scanner moved over them).
Penguins with no ID will get a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) microchip implant. For
that, the microchip will be injected under the penguin's skin at the back of the neck using a
sterile needle. Flipper bands are no longer used to tag little penguins because they have
been shown to reduce survival of tagged birds (Sidhu et al. 2011)
D. Release
After all procedures are complete each bird will be placed back in the tub. Birds will not be
kept in tubs for longer than 30 minutes. Once captured birds are processed they will be
released as a group at the beach they were taken from.
Additionally, there is the possibility to conduct opportunistic sampling. If during the time of
the proposed project, dead animals or broken eggs are found, genetic samples will also be
taken from them and incorporated in our data set.
References:
Roth, T. & Amrhein, V., 2010. Estimating individual survival using territory occupancy data
on unmarked animals. Journal of Applied Ecology, 47(2), pp.386–392.
Sidhu, L.A., Catchpole, E.A. & Dann, P., 2011. Modelling banding effect and tag loss for
Little Penguins Eudyptula minor. ANZIAM, 52, pp.C206–C221.