Seed Collection/Plant Propagation-Veg

Australia 2009

BIO:295-1011Chris White

2Overview History of Research on Phillip Island Views of the conservationist Purpose of Trip Work Performed Activities

3History of Research on Phillip Island Research of the Little Blue Penguins began in 1968.

Initial research was done by a volunteer group the PSG or Penguin Study Group at the Penguin Parade.

Research began on the penguins survival and breeding success rates at the parade.

The PSG studies found discovered some very important facts

Their research became the longest running study of any bird in Australia.

4History of Research on Phillip Island The PSG worked tirelessly to get proper management for the Fairy Penguins.

Finally, twelve years after the PSG had formed, the SAC or Scientific Advisory Committee formed.

The SAC was formed to advise on management problems and helped to fund research.

This was important because no funding was coming from state or federal government.

5History of Research on Phillip Island In October of 1980, Peter Dann, was appointed as a full-time research officer and biological studies of the penguins went underway.

This study wanted to determine: The status of the penguin populationWhat were the causes of any decline How apparent threats should be addressed

6History of Research on Phillip Island Within only five years of the new studies on the penguins, some very alarming statistics were found.

It was confirmed that the penguins were on a decline.

This news hit the researchers and Penguin Parade hard. It was the news the Penguin Parade didnt want to hear.

Since a lot of the Summerland Peninsula is funded from the tourist coming to the Penguin Parade, they couldnt afford to lose the penguins at this rate.

7History of Research on Phillip Island The annual trend of penguins from 1977 to 1987 declined more than 50%.

Annual Mean Numbers 8History of Research on Phillip Island The exact reason for penguin decline were unclear Major contributors to the decline include:Predation by foxes and feral dogsHabitat destruction due to urban expansionCars from the increase of human population Spread of weeds and erosion Starvation from lack of food Oil Spills caused from tankers 9History of Research on Phillip Island Predation by foxes and feral dogs are one of the main reasons for the decline of penguins on land.

A single fox can kill up to 40 penguins in one night.

10History of Research on Phillip Island The research team came up with two main ideas to control the foxes. Examine the biology of the foxes on the island to provide a basis for determining effective ways to eradicate them.Test and develop new fox control techniques.

11History of Research on Phillip Island Techniques that are used in controlling the population of foxes and feral dogs includeTrapping Poisons Hunting with dogsGroup Hunting

12History of Research on Phillip Island Habitat destruction due to urban expansion was another big part in the decline of penguins.

In the 60s, Luxury homes were built all over Summerland Peninsula. A total of 190 homes were built.

It was a beautiful place to have a home, unfortunately the penguins were declining because of the urban expansion.

13History of Research on Phillip Island Effects of expansion on the environment and the penguins.More homes equals less penguin habitatConstruction of the homes and roads caused compaction of ground. Burrowing became impossiblePenguins now vulnerable to predators. Introduction of non-native plants caused decline in native species 14 Control of Urban Expansion and Impacts Buy back all 776 residential lots which included the 190 homesRestore the area to near original state throughHabitat management planRevegetation planRemove fencing and infrastructure

Conservation Plan 15Conservation Plan The Conservation Department of Phillip Island are working very hard in restoring the Island back to natural habitat. They are doing this with no government funding. All their funding comes from tourists and private donations, so far theyve had great success.16 As a result of conservation efforts, the penguins are showing signs of recovery.

Annual Mean Numbers Conservation Plan 17Conservation Plan Pilchard ShortagePilchard was the main diet for penguinsThe fishery collapsed in the mid 90sStill unsure of why fishery collapsed and what might increase pilchard numbersCurrently there is no recovery planPenguins have shown a switch to anchovies, leatherjackets and sprats 18Conservation Plan Oil SpillsTypically smaller in sized and caused by ships dumping old fuel and ballastLast major event occurred in 2000Fines levied used to increase oil spill response and to build new volunteer housing and accommodationsBetter accommodations have increased volunteer work at Phillip Island19Conservation Plan Oil SpillsOil spill response includes penguin cleaning95% of all affected penguins saved during last oil spill

20Deborah Pears

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Most negatively affected on Phillip Island

The Little Blue Penguin

Also known as the Fairy Penguin 22Significant Threats to The Little Blue PenguinPredatorsOil spills, bush fires, carsOver-fishing of Pilchards and AnchoviesHabitat loss

23How we helpedSummerland Peninsula Fence Removal

24Removing FencesReduces park maintenance costsImproves visual amenityReduces impact on habitatsAllows for better movement25A united purpose

Students from U.S., Australia, and Germany26Restoring the peninsula to pre-development conditions

27Restoring habitats and protecting native species is a critical function of Phillip Island Nature ParkNative species include:17 terrestrial mammals16 marine mammals250+ bird species9 reptiles5 amphibians3+ species of freshwater fish

28Solution to Soil CompactionMan-made Breeding Boxes

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Three homes per sectionBuried half way up the boxDig it this deep.Glad we got the sand!30

Results of our work After burying the boxes we covered them with dirt, sand, and mulch. The area is then ready to be planted with indigenous species.31

Over time plant growth covers, hides, and keeps the habitat cool

Molting is evidence of this box being occupied

32KoalasKoalas were introduced to Phillip Island in the 1890s when the populations on the mainland had begun to decline

They get their name from an Aboriginal word meaning no drink because they rarely drink yet draw 90% of their needed moisture from Eucalyptus leaves they eat

They have a highly developed sense of smell allowing them to discern between healthy and toxic leaves

An adult male can weigh between 8 and 14 kilograms while females are typically 6 to 11

33Threats to the KoalaSlight natural predation by dingos, owls, and pythons to name a few

Bushfires, traffic, dogs, and cats (4000 die each year by dogs and cars)

Four common Koala diseases caused by the Chlamydia organism which manifest during times of stress: conjunctivitis, pneumonia, urinary and reproductive tract infections

Habitat loss through human settlement and land degradation.

34Koala Conservation Centre

Opened in 1992 to protect koalas numbers and diminish human trampling of vegetationFree-ranging koalas are now uncommon on Phillip Island

35Koala Enclosure Maintenance

This is where rehabilitating koalas or breeding pairs are isolated

36Eucalypt Sapling Paddock

Affectionately known as Mozzie heavenUsed to increase food source for Koalas37Possum ShelterMaintenance

This is where the wildlife hospital brings possums to gradually reintroduce them to their habitat38Volly House

Our Accommodations on Phillip Island39Tabitha

40Phillip Island ActivitiesPenguin ParadeRock Pool RambleSeal RocksThe NobbiesChurchill IslandRhyll Inlet41Phillip Island ActivitiesPenguin Parade - watch the Penguins as they came out of the ocean to their homes. Nature Parks best known and most profitable activity. Attract about 500,000 people each year to the parade.Major source of revenue

42Rock pool RambleFormed in rocky habitat at low tide Pools trap many interesting creatures11 armed star fishAnemonesCrabsCone Snail (poisonous)

43Seal RocksHome to thousands of Australian Fur SealsJust off of Philip IslandAccessible by boat rideHome to females and pups in late summer

44The Nobbies Large rocks off the western coast of Phillip island The Nobbies offer you a chance to walk among nesting seabird colonies and see the amazing coastal sceneryVisitors Center provides souvenirs and lunch

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Churchhill Island46Churchhill IslandHeritage FarmFarmed since the 1850sPurchased by Samuel Amess, former Mayor of Melbourne in 1872. 57 hectares of working farm, ancient Moonah trees, heritage gardens and historical buildings. The farmhouse and cottages have been restored to their original stategive a glimpse into the past as to how the early Australian settlers lived and farmed.

47Rhyll InletThe Rhyll Inlet is a Mangrove Swamp on the island. Depending on the season, various animals use this habitatWading BirdsParrotsCrabsShrimp

48Melbourne ActivitiesMelbourne ZooMelbourne AquariumYarra River PicnicRestaurantsBihn MihnTrapeziLa Porchetta

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Melbin Zoo The zoo was very largetook most our day but we all had a great time. House native species and animals similar to US zoosMost of the animals were from Asia where as most of ours come from Africa.

50Melbin AquariumThe Aquarium had many native marine creatures including, the cuttlefish, stingrays, and sharksNew home to a group of Emperor Penguins from AntarcticaAllowed access behind the scenes with tour guide

51Behind the scenes look at some of their daily work.

52Picnic on the Yarra RiverWe cooked chicken, hamburgers, and shark on the barbiElectric barbis are provided by the cityWe all helped cook and clean-up The excess bread we fed to the birds that were in the area.

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Bihn Mihn Our first night in the city we went out to a Vietnamese restaurant. The food was interesting and we all shared what we gotSalt and pepper squidSweet & sour chickenSeafood platterDim-Sims as an appetizer54TrapeziGreek restaurantThe food was delicious and again we all shared what we got.Seafood platterFried cheeseGreek dips and breadGreek chicken salad

55La PorchettaVery inexpensive Italian RestaurantWe all pigged out on pizzasomething that was kind of homey for us.

56Melissa

57Melbourne Activities Contd.

58Royal Botanical GardensHealesville SanctuaryVictoria Market Shopping!Shrine of Remembrance

Melbourne Activities Contd.59Royal Botanical Gardens of Melbourne

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RBG Melbourne recognized as one of the worlds finest botanic gardensMany of these plants are irreplaceable, endangered or even extinct in the wild.10,000 species and 50,000 individual plants in the 38 hectare gardensIncludes trees and plants of great cultural value61Healesville Sanctuary

62 Healesville Sanctuary is on of Australias most acclaimed wildlife sanctuaries.

Houses over 200 species of native Australian wildlife

Visitors experience close-up encounters with some of Australias most unique and captivating wildlife

63Victoria Market

64The Queen Victoria Market is situated on seven hectares located on two city blocks

Historic Melbourne landmarkOfficially opened in March 1878 as the Queen Victoria MarketQueen Victoria Market offers a range of uniquely Australian items and souvenirs to take back home at bargain prices

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67The Shrine of Remembrance

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In remembrance of those who served and died in the Great War of 1914-1918 and armed conflicts and all peacekeeping duties since.The Shrine is Victorias largest and most visited war memorial and is probably Melbournes most memorable landmark.

69Future PlansFuture Cooperation with GippsTAFEVolunteer opportunities at Phillip IslandAnnual Student Trips!Start planning for Spring Break 2010!70What to ExpectLong travel time MAJOR jet lag (but well worth it)Lots of walking (fun, fun, fun!!)Mostly a lot of fun and once in a lifetime experiences!

71Acknowledgments Dr. Kip ThompsonChris Pacuzzi from Gipps TAFE Lauren from Tourism VictoriaAnd everyone else who helped contribute

Thanks for an Amazing Opportunity! 72