ABSTRACT
Rebuilding Penguin Paradise: Restoring Snapper Island for a Brighter Future, explores the ongoing efforts to protect and enhance the breeding habitat of the Little Blue Penguin (Eudyptula minor) on Snapper Island, situated at the mouth of the Bhundoo (Clyde River) Estuary in Batemans Bay. This research highlights the growing significance of Snapper Island, which in 2015, supported 15% of Batemans Bay’s breeding penguin population, and by 2024 was supporting approximately 33%, a key indicator of the colony’s growing health and importance. As we witness the topicalization of ecosystems south of 32°S, it is theorised that Little Penguins are following their prey to cooler waters, increasing the importance of safeguarding southern coastal habitats. The island’s penguins face challenges from human induced disturbance and invasive vegetation, such as kikuyu grass, bitou bush, and turkey rhubarb, which limit access to penguin burrows and hinder breeding success. Habitat restoration efforts have included invasive species removal and the installation of over 200 native plants, as well as the provision of penguin specific nesting boxes to replace lost habitat. Current monitoring through GPS tagging, e-DNA testing, and population tracking gives us insights into their foraging behaviour, local and regional movements and breeding success. To date, the data shows the variability in breeding patterns influenced by oceanic conditions in a changing climate. In addition to emphasizing the critical need for continued ecological management and scientific monitoring to measure the penguins’ response and adaptation to environmental changes, the project highlights the value of collaboration. Contributions from Council, researchers, Landcare volunteers, schools and tourism providers, all work toward a shared goal: restoring precious penguin habitat to ensure the species' resilience.