Little penguin survey shows promising signs, but long-term protection still needed
Kangaroo Island’s little penguins have shown encouraging signs of resilience in the latest annual census, with survey results recording a 33 per cent increase in the estimated number of breeding adults across eight key colonies from spring 2024 to spring 2025.
The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board Biodiversity Unit completed the census in October 2025, recording 352 active burrows across colonies at Antechamber Bay, Cape Willoughby, Emu Bay, Kingscote, Penneshaw, Seal Bay, Stokes Bay and Vivonne Bay.
Based on the standard estimate of two breeding adult penguins per active burrow, the 2025 census recorded a conservative estimate of 704 breeding adult little penguins, up from 530 in spring 2024.
“Emu Bay recorded its highest population estimate on record, increasing from 244 breeding adults in spring 2024 to 332 in 2025.
“Penneshaw also recorded its highest estimate since 2012, increasing from 150 breeding adults in spring 2024 to 206 in 2025.
“That is encouraging, but we need to be careful not to overinterpret one year of data. Little penguin populations naturally fluctuate, and they continue to face pressure from threats on land and at sea.”
While the 2025 result is higher than recent spring counts in 2023 and 2024, the surveyed population remains below historical levels recorded between 2011 and 2013.
Key 2024–2025 comparisons
- Surveyed KI colonies combined: 530 to 704 breeding adults — up 33%
- Emu Bay: 244 to 332 breeding adults — up 36%
- Penneshaw: 150 to 206 breeding adults — up 37%
- Kingscote: 38 to 64 breeding adults — up 68%, but still far below historic levels
- Active burrows: 265 to 352 — up 33%
Ms Comino said the ongoing harmful algal bloom, climate-driven changes to ocean conditions, habitat disturbance, predation and weed encroachment all remained concerns for Kangaroo Island’s little penguins.
“The harmful algal bloom has created uncertainty for coastal and marine species, including little penguins, because changes in ocean conditions can affect prey availability and breeding activity,” Ms Comino said.
“What the census gives us is a consistent annual dataset, so we can track changes over time and make better decisions about how to support these colonies.”
The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board thanks the community for continuing to do the right thing by keeping dogs on leads near coastal habitat, helping little penguins feel safe as they return to shore to rest, nest and raise their chicks
CONSERVATION EFFORTS TO SECURE POPULATIONS
The Board has also been working with the community to improve breeding habitat at Kangaroo Island’s largest little penguin colonies.
In 2025, coastal weeds including African boxthorn, kikuyu grass and invasive succulents were controlled across 30 hectares at Emu Bay.
A further 800 native coastal shrubs, grasses and groundcovers were planted across Emu Bay and Penneshaw to provide natural shelter and improve breeding habitat for little penguins and other coastal birds.
Ms Comino said habitat restoration was central to supporting little penguins into the future.
“Artificial burrows can help in the right place, but they are not a substitute for good quality coastal habitat,” Ms Comino said.
“Our focus is on protecting and improving the natural habitat little penguins need to breed, shelter and move safely through the colonies.
“The weed control, revegetation, monitoring and predator management work all fit together.”
In March 2026, Kangaroo Island Community Education students joined Kangaroo Island Landscape Board staff and members of the Burnside Rotary Club at Emu Bay to refurbish timber nest box burrows for the growing colony.
Old and dilapidated timber burrows were removed from the Kingscote coastline, where breeding activity has declined considerably over recent decades, and relocated to Emu Bay, currently Kangaroo Island’s largest and expanding little penguin colony.
Twenty-three Year 5 Youth Environment Leaders and nine Year 11 and 12 Outdoor Education students helped repair the boxes and attach new insulated A-frame roofs designed to improve waterproofing and thermal protection.
The 17 refurbished burrows were then installed at the north-western end of the Emu Bay colony, where little penguin breeding activity is expanding but suitable shelter is currently limited.
“These refurbished burrows provide a practical short-term boost while the native seedlings planted last year establish and begin providing natural shade and protection,” Ms Comino said.
“It was also a great opportunity for students to take part in hands-on conservation work and learn more about one of Kangaroo Island’s much-loved coastal species.”
The burrow refurbishment project was co-funded by a Rotary District 9510 Matching Grant obtained by Burnside Rotary Club and the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board.
The new burrows will be monitored by Kangaroo Island Landscape Board staff throughout the year and included in the annual little penguin census this spring.
The 2025 little penguin census was supported through funding provided to the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board Biodiversity Unit through agreements with the Australian Government. The survey was conducted by Kangaroo Island Landscape Board Biodiversity Unit staff with support from Renee and Adrian Daniell from the Penneshaw Penguin Centre.
Read the full report here: Population status of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) on Kangaroo Island in 2025.
