Wildlife

Since 2012, the City of Rockingham has been contributing funding towards annual studies, undertaken by Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia, which aim to estimate the population of the little penguin (eudyptula minor) colony at Penguin Island. While the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is responsible for the management of the little penguins and the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, the City contributes financially and provides advice through an established working group. The working group comprises representatives from the City, DBCA, as well as two experts from Murdoch University and the University of WA, who oversee the annual monitoring and reporting.

The most recent population estimate study was conducted between September to November 2023. The Population Estimate of the Little Penguin Colony on Penguin Island During September to November 2023 is available to download below.

The City will continue to advocate for the conservation of the colony of little penguins through ongoing collaboration through the working group. We strongly encourage the community when visiting the island or the surrounding Shoalwater Islands Marine Park to help protect our environment and the little penguins.

Please keep in mind when visiting:

• Hot weather closures are in place. The island is closed when the forecast maximum temperature for Penguin Island is 35 degrees or higher,  between 1 December to 28 February.
• June to October annual winter seasonal closures apply.
• Leave no litter behind. Litter poses a significant risk to our fauna including the little penguins who have died due to rubbish washed up along the beach.
• Stick to the speed limits. An 8-knot speed restrictions is in place for all vessels in designated sensitive areas, helping to protect marine animals from boat strikes.
• Know your zones. Although fishing is popular in Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, restrictions apply accordingly to different zones within the park. 

You can find more information by reading the DBCA Visitor Guide for Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.

Magpie nesting season occurs between August and October each year. During this time magpies can swoop to protect their young from perceived threats. This is normal protective behaviour and magpies often target runners or bike riders as these activities appear threatening to them. They will typically respond to perceived threats by flying low and fast overhead and clacking their beaks as they pass. Some birds may even make contact. These occurrences are rare, but have the potential to cause injury.

Although magpies can sometimes cause fear, their behaviour is instinctive and intended to protect their offspring and provide them the best chance of survival. We investigate reports of swooping magpies to assess the bird’s behaviour on site. However, the magpie is a native species protected under the Western Australian Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, and any actions required are determined on an individual basis.

To help reduce the risk of being swooped during the short breeding season we recommend:

• Avoiding the area if possible or take an alternate route for the weeks that the birds are nesting. Magpies typically defend a 100m radius around their nests.
• Do not act aggressively towards a magpie. Trying to hit or throw things at them will make the situation worse. Magpies have good memories and will swoop someone who has threatened them in the past.
• Dismount bikes and walk through the area. Fast moving bikes appear threatening to a nesting magpie.
• Do not stop if you are swooped upon. You are still in the magpie’s territory so they will continue to swoop until you are clear of the area.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses, or carry an umbrella for head and eye protection.

Snakes become active every year around the beginning of September as the weather warms up. Snakes will keep to themselves unless they feel threatened. Here are some top tips to avoid a potential snake encounter:

• Clean up around your property, getting rid of long dry grass, wood piles, building waste and household rubbish.
• Always walk your dog on a lead and keep to paths, trails and walkways.
• Wear enclosed shoes or boots and carry a torch if walking in bush at night as snakes are more active during this time.

Snake first aid

• Remain calm.
• Immobilise the limb.
• Apply a firm broad compression bandage starting over the bite mark. 
• Call 000 immediately.

Snake Bite First Aid

Seen a snake?

You do not need to report all snake sightings to the City.  It's best to avoid the snake altogether and give them a chance to get away.

However, If you see a snake in one of the City's playgrounds, public toilet areas etc., please call us on 9528 0333 so we can organise a snake catcher to attend.

If there is a snake on a private property, it is the owner's responsibility to make arrangements with a suitable snake catcher. The following list of snake catchers may be able to assist you. Please note that the City does not recommend a particular contractor.  It is your responsibility to ensure you are satisfied with the terms and service.

Got a rat or mouse problem? Think twice before you reach for the rat poison - you could be putting our native animals at risk.

Many birds, as well as other fauna, are at risk from poison commonly used as rodenticide. They can ether ingest the baits themselves, or eat the poisoned rats and mice.

Second-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides (SGARs) represent the bulk of products available to manage rodent issues for homes, businesses and agriculture. Many people are not aware of the danger they pose to our wildlife and pets, even when used according to the instructions. 

Who do SGARs affect?

• All marsupials and birds attracted to the grain-based baits
• All diurnal and nocturnal marsupials
• Birds that feed on dead and dying animals that have accessed the bait
• Example species are Whistling kite, Brown goshawk, Australian hobby, Little eagle, Osprey, Nankeen kestrel or Swamp harrier, the Southern Boobook Owl.

How do SGARs affect our wildlife?

• Access to poisoned bait (such as rodents) leads to debilitation of wildlife, resulting in death through secondary poisoning.
• The ‘one-dose-kills’ poisons take months to metabolise in baited animals and in animals that ingest the poison through secondary pathways.
• Animals that eat these ‘one-dose-kills’ baits still take days to die, in which time they can eat multiple doses.

How can you help?

Click on the resources below to access comprehensive guidelines by Birdlife WA on how to move away from SGARs.

• Protect Aussie birds from dangerous SGAR rat poisons

• Keep your home and garden safe from bird-killing SGARs

• Bird Friendly Rodent Control - Making better choices for our wildlife

For more information, please visit Birdlife WA.