Little Penguin Project
Little Penguin Project
The Little Penguins of Eden group is auspiced by the Eden Community Access Centre.
Its mission is to protect the Little Penguins of Twofold Bay, with an aim to bring back a thriving colony for years to come.
Through this ongoing project, the group aims to establish a new colony of little penguins at Wheel Cove, at Eagles Claw, Middle Head.
What we aim to do
Little Penguins of Eden brings the community together to establish a long-term strategy for monitoring and managing the colony.
- To sustain the protection and habitat of newly established Little Penguin colony
- To participate in monitoring and research to increase and share local knowledge
- Work together with community and government authorities to find solutions
- Establish opportunities for education
WHAT CHALLENGES DOES THE PROJECT ADDRESS?
Eden was once home to a thriving little penguin colony that held a special place in the locals’ hearts. The penguins faced challenges with predators, urban development, extreme weather events as well as habitat erosion. These factors caused a significant decline in the penguin population, ultimately leading to the colony’s extinction by the early 1990s.
The Eden community was devastated by the loss and rallied together to raise funds and form a community group in the hope of resurrecting the penguin colony.
With mainland dogs and foxes posing a continuous threat, the group led the installation of a fence along the cliff top near Eagles Claw Nature Reserve to protect against predators. The group designed concrete artificial habitats called ‘Eden Burrows’ which were installed and solar-powered audio system broadcasts mating sounds from penguins on the nearby Montague Island/Baranguba during the mating season.
Successfully the project enticed two mating birds to choose Wheel Cove for nesting in 2023, birds that have become pioneers in re-establishing a colony that had been locally extinct for over 30 years.
What’s next for the Little Penguins Group?
Development of a vibrant community group to support the Little Penguin Project, with fundraising, community education and science led management objectives to help develop the penguin colony.
The group meets regularly and new members are welcome.
FUNDING
Funding is from donations, in kind support from partners and grants.
CONNECTION TO ECAC’s MISSION STATEMENT
The project connects to the following ECAC objectives:
- Supporting the growth of a strong, inclusive and unified community able to work in harmony to withstand the social, cultural, environmental and economic challenges of the future
- An inclusive environment encouraging participation from all groups and fostering positive relations
- Build community social and economic capacity
- Develop local solutions to local problems
- Raise the aspirations of individuals and unlock the potential of community members
WHO TO TALK TO
Wendy Noble is the Chairperson of the group.
The group can be contacted at: littlepenguinseden@gmail.com
Web site: https://www.littlepenguinseden.org/