Reproductive success of little penguins, Eudyptula minor, on Lion Lsland, New South Wales

Abstract

Little penguins, Eudyptula minor, were once common along the Sydney coastline; however, today almost all breeding penguins in the region are found on a small island in the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. During a four-year study, the reproductive success of breeding birds on Lion Island was higher and less variable than that reported from other areas. The early commencement of breeding, and the high and stable breeding success during the study suggested that the colony had access to an abundant and stable food source. In addition, success was not reduced by introduced predators and human disturbance is relatively low. However, continued monitoring will be required to gain accurate information on the long-term viability of this colony as penguin breeding success is known to fluctuate widely between years.