Conservation Projects and Campaigns

Summer months are a busy peak holiday season. During this time, Phillip Island welcomes thousands of visitors who come here to surf, explore local attractions, nature reserves and trails, delight their taste buds in local cafes and restaurants, and simply enjoy their time with family and friends while soaking up sun on a beach.

Phillip Island is very fortunate – so many amazing species call it their home. And during summer months you can help our precious and vulnerable wildlife raise their young safely on our shores.

You can help protect our local wildlife by mindfully sharing our shores.

WHAT WILDLIFE CAN BE FOUND ON THE SHORES OF PHILLIP ISLAND

During this summer season 

Hooded Plovers 

Hooded Plovers typically nest on the sand on ocean beaches in the busy summer months. Their nests, eggs and chicks are extremely well camouflaged and prone to being accidentally trodden on, disturbed by people and animals passing by, or harmed by dogs. This disturbance can cause adult birds to move away from their nests, which can be fatal for their chicks.  

For more facts about the species, have a read of our Hooded Plover Nature Notes

How you can help hooded plovers 

When walking past a wildlife refuge, please ensure your dog is on a lead and walk quickly past the wildlife refuge and along the water's edge.

Be on the lookout for hooded plovers and their behaviour wherever you walk - the birds may move from the protected areas.

Short-tailed shearwaters 

The short-tailed shearwater is a mid-sized migratory bird, and one of just a few that come to Australia to breed. These birds - also known as mutton-birds - travel around the world and arrive on Phillip Island around the end of September after a 16,000 km migration from the waters off the Aleutian Islands near Alaska.  

They spend their time around Australia’s southern coastline, renovating past nests and building new ones. The breeding pairs lay just one egg in the last week of November in a sand dune burrow. The egg hatches in mid-January and the parents feed the chick before beginning their migration back to the northern hemisphere in mid-April. The fat, fluffy chick is left behind until it grows its ‘adult’ feathers and begins the migration weeks after the adults leave.

Please refer to our short-tailed shearwater Nature Notes for more information.

How you can help short-tailed shearwaters

Please stay on paths and away from the dunes - this is where shearwaters make their fragile burrows, which can easily be collapsed.

Please keep your cat contained to your property, especially at night - shearwater chicks left alone in their burrows are vulnerable to predation.

Please ensure all rubbish ends up in the bin - shearwater parents can mistake rubbish for food.

Australian Fur Seal 

Australian fur seals play an important role in Australia's marine ecosystems. There are around 20,000 seals at Seal Rocks (off Phillip Island) and 10,000 at The Skerries (near Mallacoota).

The Australian fur seal is the largest of nine species of fur seal in the world. They have two layers of fur, a longer outer layer of guard hairs with a fine underfur for warmth.

Although they can breathe air, Australian fur seals prefer to live in the water and spend weeks feeding at sea. As you can imagine, they’re very good swimmers.

For more facts about the species, please check out our Australian fur seal Nature Note.

How you can help Australian fur seals

Please ensure all rubbish ends up in the bin and cut any loops before disposing of them - playful seals can easily become entangled in this rubbish.

Seals often "haul out" to lie on beaches or other areas to rest or moult, moving between land and sea of their own accord. This is normal behaviour and is especially prevalent over the summer months as the seal pups have been weaned and are fending for themselves.

What to do if you see a seal on the beach 

Please leave it alone and maintain a distance of least 30 metres to allow the seal to rest.

Keep dogs on a leash and at least 50 metres away from the seal to avoid frightening or injuring it.

Please do not feed the seal as it may become habituated to humans and unable to fend for itself in the wild.

Please do not attempt to move the seal back into the water or throw water over it – they can self-regulate their body temperature.

Report sick or injured wildlife 

To report sick or injured wildlife on Phillip Island, please call Wildlife emergency response line on (03) 8400 7300 24/7 or use this link to report online.

What can I do as a business owner? 

Phillip Island businesses can get involved in protecting our native wildlife by making sure their staff are aware of the 'Sharing Our Shores' campaign, and what they and their families can do to help keep the wildlife safe.

You can put campaign posters in store and share our posts on your social media to let your customers know that you will be supporting this important local campaign.  

Contact us to receive a free campaign poster.

What is the Phillip Island Nature Parks Conservation team doing?

During summer months, December 2024 -February 2025, Phillip Island Nature Parks rangers and volunteers will patrol the shores to monitor the nesting activities of beach nesting bird species, which contributes to long term research studies into the breeding success and conservation status of these threatened birds. 

Can I volunteer or help? 

Yes! We would love the help of volunteers to assist our rangers on patrols by collecting and collating data. NOTE: volunteers will not be handling birds. Places are strictly limited.

Please contact us if you would like to take part.

Yes! Volunteers can assist by joining the Hooded Plover Watch. This team of citizen scientists gather observational data for our beach nesting bird team. You can find more information here.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS 

The Surf Beach Sunderland Bay Biodiversity Project aims to protect and assist the natural recovery of native ground flora, restore biodiversity values, and alleviate coastal erosion issues in this coastal reserve. The construction of a rabbit exclusion fence in conjunction with a rabbit control program and targeted revegetation/restoration will protect significant coastal vegetation and cultural heritage from the impacts of rabbits.

This project is a resident-led initiative, with the support of Surf Beach Sunderland Bay Coastcare Group, Bass Coast Shire Council, Bass Coast Landcare Network, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Phillip Island Nature Parks.

WHERE
The Rabbit Exclusion Fence will protect approximately 3 hectares of coastal vegetation from Surfies Point Carpark to the end of Sunderland Bay Rd steps. 

IMPACT FROM RABBITS
Rabbits have been identified as the primary cause in the decline of coastal flora in the Surf Beach Sunderland Bay Coastal Reserve.  Heavy grazing by rabbits has severely depleted herbaceous groundcover and without improved protection we may lose the biodiversity in the area, and it may lead to localised extinctions.

A trial of rabbit exclusion cages indicated that coastal ground species can respond and recover when the pressure of heavy rabbit grazing is removed.

The subsequent installation of a rabbit exclusion fence removed the principal threatening process and further protected and enhanced the remnant coastal vegetation.

FACTS ABOUT RABBITS

• They have extremely high reproduction rates.  
• They are reproductively viable at 3 months old and can become pregnant 1-2 hours after giving birth to a litter. Litter sizes vary from 4-8 kits. 
• They require an underground warren system to reproduce successfully. This fact highlights the importance of warren destruction to halt reproduction and population growth. 
• More than one rabbit/hectare is enough to decrease natural recruitment of native vegetation. 

PROGRAM RESULTS

• Extensive warren mapping has taken place within the rabbit exclusion fence, and no active warrens have been located. 
• Regular fence checks and maintenance have ensured no new rabbit incursions have occurred. 
• Regular monitoring indicates a reduction in the rabbit population within the fenced area. 
• Rabbit baiting under exclusion cages has achieved a significant reduction in rabbit abundance over the past 12 months.  
• Surveys indicate between 60-90% reduction in rabbit dung prevalence and up to 92% reduction in rabbit excavations.  
• Bait has been consistently consumed by rabbits, indicated from camera footage and green rabbit droppings observed around bait stations. 

MINIMISING IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE
The following activities were undertaken as part of the project to minimise the impact on wildlife such as wallabies and echidnas.

• A free-feed phase for rabbits will be undertaken prior to laying Pindone. This will allow rabbits to get used to eating the baits.
• Cameras will be installed near the exclusion cages to monitor the baits and determine which species are eating them.
• Baits will be laid under exclusion cages which will prevent local wildlife accessing the bait.
• Baits are dyed green to reduce the likelihood of uptake by birds which usually seek out ripe seeds or fruit.
• Pindone is applied to the husk of the oats which is usually removed by birds.
• Echidnas are not at risk as they eat insects and worms.
• Pindone is quickly metabolised by rabbits.
• Birds of prey would need to eat a significant number of dead rabbits to be affected. Dead rabbits will be removed and disposed of to reduce this risk.
• Dogs should remain on lead at all times and be kept on the boardwalk.
• Pindone has an effective antidote if secondary poisoning should occur.  

WALLABY AND ECHIDNA ACCESS
We want native animals such as echidnas and wallabies to be able to move in and out of the fenced area as their browsing keeps the vegetation more open and is beneficial for the ground flora. There were six 'echidna gates' installed along the fence which are specially designed to allow echidnas to move through but are too difficult for a rabbit to push through.

Echidnas have been captured on camera using the specially designed echidna gates and are regularly observed within the fence line. Wallaby activity within and outside of the fence line has been regularly monitored with no negative impacts observed. 

FLORA MONITORING 
Following the rabbit exclusion fence's construction, a flora survey was done to capture baseline data of species diversity and abundance. To support a measure of change over time, the project plan is to monitor the site at one, four and ten-year intervals after the installation of the fence.  

A follow-up survey was undertaken in October 2023 and healthy natural regeneration has occurred with species such as pale fruit ballart (Exocarpus stricta) and the prostrate form of Hop goodenia (Goodenia ovata) regenerating since rabbit control has been undertaken.   

Also of significance is the germination of Trigger plant (Stylidium spp) seedling being recorded inside the enclosure. While the first-year results are promising, it is still too early to draw any further conclusions at this stage. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP
You can Volunteer with the Surf Beach Sunderland Bay Coastcare Group, contact Gayle Seddon - Coordinator, Surf Beach Sunderland Bay Coastcare Group
By email
Or through socials

You can get involved in other conservation-based Volunteering with Nature Parks, for more information click here.

You can help to restore natural biodiversity and help protect wildlife by keeping your dog on a lead and remaining on formal boardwalks while in this area.  
If you see injured wildlife, please call Wildlife VIC 24/7 hotline on 03 8400 7300. 

RABBIT FREE PHILLIP ISLAND 
Rabbit Free Phillip Island is a local initiative driven by local volunteers in collaboration with several organisations and agencies.  
Aiming to ‘inspire, engage, educate and facilitate community action’ the Surf Beach Sunderland Bay Coastcare Group together with Phillip Island Landcare has been working together to support the local community to reduce rabbit numbers. 
A range of initiatives support the Biodiversity Project including: 

• rabbit proofing homes will be a ‘first line of defence’, offering advice and training (warren fumigation and rabbit proof fencing) to homeowners, aiming to eliminate the major refuge enjoyed by rabbits.  With support from the Ross Trust and Bass Coast Landcare Network the “Teaming Up to Tackle Rabbits” program provides residents the opportunity to rabbit-proof their homes.  
• promoting citizen science in the form of warren mapping and understanding rabbit abundance and behaviour (use of a warren smoker and recording data using RabbitScan)  
• vegetation monitoring through a combination of vegetation quality mapping, photo points, citizen science and quadrat data analysis, to help assess the effectiveness of the program. 
• weed control and erosion control, seed collection and revegetation. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Bass Coast Landcare Network 0456 390 423. 
Rabbit-Proof Your Home and Garden from Bass Coast Landcare Network on Vimeo. 

To protect the Summerland Peninsula from the threats of bushfire, flammable vegetation in this area is being removed in order to increase the amount of penguin habitat and create green firebreaks. Phillip Island Nature Parks will be undertaking works to modify penguin habitat to reduce flammability and land temperatures, particularly in areas where common fire risk reductions such as controlled burns or fire breaks can’t be used because of the impact to significant vegetation and wildlife.

Where

Works will be taking place within three specified areas on the Summerland Peninsula. See map for details.

When

The flammable vegetation will be removed over a three-month period commencing May 2023. This will involve mulching along the three firebreaks as shown on the map. Whilst this initial mulching work is conducted, Mandeville Road will be closed to all traffic for the safety of staff working in this area and the public. Works are expected to take a few days. Phillip Island Nature Parks staff will survey each site daily for penguins and penguin burrows ensuring there are no risks to the colony whilst this work is undertaken.

Work has now commenced on the next phase of this project, planting up to 40,000 new fire-retardant plants.

Planting days have been held (each spanned multiple days) for which we have been working closely with the Penguin Foundation, corporate (NAB) and community volunteers (Scotch College students) and the Bunurong Land Council.

The final planting day planned for mid-October will involve 70 corporate volunteers (from Royal Canin and Penguin Random House) plus staff from Nature Parks, the Penguin Foundation and the Bunurong Land Council and celebrate the end of the 2023 planting season. A feature of this year’s planting effort has been the establishment of a fenced browsing exclusion trial (small, fenced plots) that aims to assess the impact of browsing on conservation plantings and the vegetation in general by species including swamp wallabies, Cape Barren geese, brushtail possums and rabbits.

Why

The Summerland Peninsula is home to Australia's largest Little Penguin colony. It has a vital role in securing the future of the species, given vanishing/declining numbers at other colonies. The creation of these green firebreaks will reduce the severity and impact of heat stress events and the scale, intensity, and speed of a bushfire. Controlled burns or large, completely cleared firebreaks are not viable on the Summerland Peninsula due to the harm they may cause little penguins, their burrows and their habitat.

Who

This project has been made possible thanks to the support of the Penguin Foundation and a NAB Foundation Community Grant.

A Conservation Works Exemption for the removal of native vegetation has been issued by Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

If you would like further information, please email us or call us 03 5951 2800.

“We are proud to have awarded a NAB Foundation Community and Impact grant to support the exceptional work being done by The Penguin Foundation. Now more than ever, there is a growing need to support communities to rebuild and prepare for the challenges ahead. In these times we are honoured to be able fund green firebreaks in Australia's largest little penguin colony to protect vulnerable penguins against bushfires and reduce the risk of bushfire impacting the tourism and local business economy in the region” – Mil Kairouz, Retail General Manager Regional Victoria and Tasmania at NAB.

Progress to date

Mandeville Road from the north end looking south, before (above) and after (below) completion of mulching and slashing operations of the firebreak area.
 

During May 2023 Phillip Island Nature Parks staff and contractors completed a mechanical fuel reduction/weed control operation within the Summerland Peninsula as part of the first stage of field activities of the Future Proofing Little Penguins from Bushfire project.

The aim of this project is to create a series of three parallel ‘green’ firebreaks that run north-south across the Peninsula. The three firebreaks are situated along Mandeville Road and two management tracks east of Mandeville Road (formerly known as Solent Avenue and Portslade Road). These firebreaks will help reduce the risk of bushfire from impacting the Peninsula including the penguin colony while also providing habitat for penguins and other wildlife.

Recently completed operations resulted in the effective removal of the woody fuel load from the firebreak areas and specifically thickets of Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) that dominates extensive areas of the interior of the Peninsula. Swamp Paperbark is indigenous to the Summerland Peninsula and is an important component of the vegetation, but as with some other species it poses a significant fire risk in some situations and needs to be managed.

Great care was taken during mulching and slashing operations to ensure that wildlife were not harmed and that burrowing animals and their burrows/nestboxes were protected. This involved conducting daily fauna surveys with a special focus on looking for animals in burrows, spotting for animals during operations, and protecting ‘high risk’ areas (where animals were identified) from mechanical operations.

The next stage of operations will occur during Spring later this year when native, mostly indigenous, fire wise plant species will be planted within the firebreak areas. These species will generally be low growing, herbaceous (non-woody), and fire resistant/retardant, but have been selected to provide for the habitat requirements of penguins and other wildlife and to promote biodiversity.

The value of scientific monitoring in understanding ecology and driving conservation actions

Six months have passed since the green firebreaks were established on the Summerland Peninsula which is a critical period for the establishment of plants. The 15,000 indigenous, fire-retardant plants that were planted have been left to grow, but they haven’t been growing in isolation. From the moment they left the nursery and were planted they became part of a wilder, more complex, and stressful ecosystem where their survival and growth are strongly dependent on a wide range of climatic, environmental, and ecological conditions. 
Survival assessments of plantings across the three firebreaks show that three months after planting average survival for plants with guards was quite high at 85%, but this dropped to 53% at six months (post summer). While this may not sound very high (and it isn’t), the value of guarding in improving survival at establishment is clear when comparing these values to survival rates of plants planted without guards (27% at three months and 13% at six months). Based on these values, guarding improves survival rates by three to four times during establishment. While this result is interesting, the data collected from survival assessments does not provide any detail as to what may be influencing success, but the fenced browsing exclusion trial does. 
The browsing exclusion trial is a feature of the ‘Future-Proofing Little Penguins’ project and newly established green firebreaks. It exists as a series of fenced and unfenced plots installed at the time of planting and was designed to allow assessment of the impact that browsing animals, including swamp wallabies, Cape Barren geese, brushtail possums and rabbits, have on the conservation plantings, and the environment more generally. Animal browsers can significantly influence the type and form of vegetation that grows, as shown on the Summerland Peninsula. But this impact has not been previously measured in any meaningful way on the peninsula. 

Image: Cape Barren Goose on Mandeville Road. 

The fences effectively excluded all large animal browsers wallabies, geese, rabbits, and possums) on the Mandeville Road firebreak, and after six months survival was 84% (averaged) in the fenced browsing exclusion plots versus 67% (averaged) in the unfenced (control) plots. This result suggests that browsers have had a significant impact on survival (accounting for approx. 17% of the difference in survival between fenced and unfenced plots) although other factors (including climatic and environmental) have had an equally big impact to date (accounting for 16% of loss of plants in the fenced plots). 
Surviving plants in fenced plots were generally healthier and had more vigour than those outside with 38% of plants growing out beyond their plant guards versus 7% in unfenced plots, many of which showed clear signs of having been browsed.  
Browsers have had a significant negative impact on the integrity of plant guards in unfenced areas, crushing, tearing, and pushing guards over (31% of all guards in unfenced plots were impacted by browsers). This not only exposes plants to browsing but reduces any positive benefit the guards provide for improving microclimate and boosting growth. 
A significant number (19 total) of naturally germinating seedlings of native shrub / trees (Boobialla and coast wattle) were recorded in fenced plots while none were recorded from unfenced plots. Germinants of native shrub and tree species are very rarely observed in the landscape and generally don’t grow to mature size. Establishment of more shrubs and trees and the provision of shadier, cooler penguin habitat is a focus of the ‘Future-Proofing Little Penguins’ project and this result is valuable for future conservation planning. 
While fencing and excluding browsers appears to be providing benefits, excluding browsers can impose other stresses on plants and cause changes to occur in the environment that require further management action to redress.  
At the time of planting (and installation of fenced browsing plots, the firebreaks had been slashed and cleared of all vegetation and most notably dense, woody, swamp paperbark, but a substantial amount of natural regeneration has occurred since. After six months fenced exclusion plots have almost twice as much total vegetation cover as unfenced plots (70-80% average cover versus 40-50%). All plots had a similar amount of cover of grass and herbaceous plant species but swamp paperbark (20-60% cover, 30-40cm tall) was a dominant component of fenced plots while it was practically absent (<1% cover, <1cm tall) in surrounding (unfenced) areas. This result shows how much impact browsers are having on the environment and vegetation generally, that they are effectively prohibiting swamp paperbark from regenerating in the firebreaks and the peninsula more broadly, and actively browsing out many other species including all other shrub and tree species and many groundcovers. 
So, while installing fences may improve plant survival and growth and potentially provide other benefits for revegetation projects such as improving biodiversity, they may also cause significant and unintended changes in vegetation requiring significant additional resource to control. Striking the right balance between control and taking action is critical to achieving successful conservation outcomes and knowing what (and how much) to control to achieve the desired outcome is key. 
The browsing exclusion trial is only just starting to provide an insight into the effects of browsers on the vegetation and of the broader ecological dynamics of the peninsula and more will be learned in the years to come. Ultimately the information gained will help inform future conservation actions and lead to better and more sustainable conservation outcomes. 

Image: Mandeville Road firebreak fenced browser exclusion plot 6+ months after planting.