The little penguin Eudyptula minor in Victoria. I: Mortality of adults

Abstract

The Little Penguin Eudyptula minor has been studied at Phillip Island, Vic., for nine seasons. The mean annual survival rate of breeding adults is estimated at 85.8 per cent, giving a mortality rate of 14.2 per cent per annum and a life expectancy of 6.5 years. Estimates for males and for females do not differ significantly. Birds that moved from the study area after breeding once have not been taken into account. Places, times and causes of mortality are given, where known.