The 1986 Wreck of Little Penguins Eudyptula minor in Western Victoria

Abstract

In autumn 1986 about 2000 Little Penguins Eudyptula minor were found dead along tidelines in western Victoria. Some of these birds came from Phillip Island and all recoveries of banded penguins were made within six months of fledging. Those examined died from starvation exacerbated by parasites; they had enlarged livers (some had haemorrhaged) and trematode, nematode and cestode burdens were high. This wreck is compared with data on other mortalities in the area and with the incidence of birds brought to the Melbourne Zoological Gardens. Meteorological events preceding and following the wreck are noted. It is concluded that waters off western Victoria support large numbers of Little Penguins in autumn and winter (predominantly birds of the year), and that concentrated mortalities occur periodically. Annual variations in the incidence of parasites and their effect may be related to food (= host) abundance and or availability; their influence may be intensified in periods of storms. The number of birds involved in such wrecks is small in proportion to that produced annually in the Bass Strait region. However, even though those which become beach-washed do not represent the number dying, their local concentration may give rise to concern.