Around 100 dead penguins have been found on King Island, prompting the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service to investigate the cause.
The penguins were discovered at Stokes Point on the island’s southern tip during routine wildlife monitoring, after 51 dead penguins were also found nearby.
The cause of death has not been confirmed.
The birds were assessed after the discovery but were too decayed to be tested for H5 bird flu.
PWS North West Regional Manager Brendon Clark said the service is working with other agencies to assess the circumstances and determine whether further action is needed.
“Any loss of wildlife is concerning and we recognise this discovery will be upsetting for residents, visitors and others who care deeply about Tasmania’s unique wildlife,” he said.
“While assessments of the site have identified injuries on many of the birds, it is not possible to definitively determine the cause of death from the information currently available.”
Clark said monitoring of the site and surrounding area would continue as part of ongoing wildlife health surveillance.
Feral cat management activities are already underway on King Island to reduce threats to migratory and resident seabird and shorebird species.
NRE Tas is now investigating urgent options to step up cat control at key penguin habitat locations on the island.
“We remain committed to protecting native species and supporting measures that improve outcomes for wildlife on King Island,” Clark said.
