Rockingham locals call for action as Penguin Island wildlife colony approaches extinction

The population of Penguin Island's namesake bird has dwindled to just over 100, with community members demanding urgent action to save the species from extinction.

The little penguin colony on the island, just off the coast of Rockingham, has dropped by 94 per cent since 2007.

University of Western Australia researcher Dr Belinda Cannell has been studying the the birds for three decades and identified just 114 little penguins on her last count in late 2023.

She said motorised watercraft activity, the warming climate and the island's high tourism levels have all contributed to the drastic drop in numbers.

Rockingham citizens dressed in penguin onesies took to the streets at the weekend as part of a campaign pushing for state government funding towards a scientist-led little penguin action plan.

"If we don't take action now, there'll be no more penguins for our future generation," rally participant Moira Howard said.

"I have a local granddaughter. Where will she go to see the penguins? So it's now or never."

"We want to call on those people who can make a difference to put up some money to help fund a recovery plan for the penguins," another community member said.

'Part of our identity'

The island attracts more than 130,000 visitors every year, with ferries running on the hour daily during summer.

Save Rockingham's Little Penguins campaign group organiser Dawn Jecks has accused state government of putting tourism ahead of the environment.

"Little penguins are iconic to our city, they're on our kids' school bags. It's an emblem of the City of Rockingham. It's a part of our cultural identity," she said.

"We can fix this. It doesn't have to be dire. I've spoken to the scientists, and they know what needs doing. But the scientists need to take charge of this and be allowed to by the government."

A WA government spokesperson said consultation with scientists was underway to limit the impact of tourism initiatives on penguin population.

"Tourism plays an important role on the island by educating visitors about the penguins and promoting enjoyment of our state's natural environment," a WA spokesperson said.

"The health and wellbeing of the penguins will always be the state government's top priority when it comes to planning for the island."

Other protective measures include an extension of the island's winter closure period and the halting of plans for a new discovery centre.

The island will also be closed on days when temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius, the point at which little penguins become heat stressed.

But Ms Jecks said the measures were too little, too late.

"[The state government] knew this was coming. The scientists have been warning this for decades, we've had population studies since 2007… and still they've failed to act," Ms Jecks said. 

Hope for survival

Biologist Dr Erin Clitheroe coordinates conservation efforts on Penguin Island and there was still hope the colony could be saved.

"Accepting local extinction is not an option," she said. 

"This situation demands an 'all hands on deck' approach. An urgent and comprehensive little penguin conservation plan is essential to prevent the local extinction of this iconic species.

"We are now at a point where intensive conservation management over several years, including strategies like rescue and rehabilitation, will be essential to ensure the colony's future."