Management of Little Penguin Tourism in Phillip Island Nature Park, Australia - Speech or Presentation Example

Management of Little Penguin tourism in Phillip Island Nature Park, Australia Name: Tutor: Course: Date: Abstract The aim of this report is to highlight visitor experience, impacts of tourism on the little penguins and the strategic plan to develop conservation efforts at Phillips Islands Nature Park, Australia. The report shows that there has been rising visitor numbers in the last three years of 2013, 2014 and 2015. These visitors are attracted by a range of visitor activities of which viewing penguins at sunset as they waddle up the sandy dunes is the most exciting experience. However, visitors affect nesting and moulting behavior of little penguins which may likely affect their population and tourism in the long-term. Management experiences show the need to protecting natural assets and island-wide environmental management despite local threat that may impact the future of the Nature Park. Conservation efforts require a strategic plan that involves understanding the mission, vision, values and objectives. This strategic plan is to be implemented in phases within five years (Strategic Plan 2012-2017). Table of contents 1.0 Introduction 6 1.1 Visitor attraction and experience 6 1.2 Tourist/Tourism impacts on penguins 8 1.3 Conservation and Strategic plan 9 1.5 Conclusion 11 References 12 Appendices 13 Figure 1: Location of Phillips Island Nature Parks 13 Figure 2: Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach 14 List of figures 1.0 Introduction 6 1.1 Visitor attraction and experience 6 1.2 Tourist/Tourism impacts on penguins 8 1.3 Conservation and Strategic plan 9 1.5 Conclusion 11 References 12 Appendices 13 Figure 1: Location of Phillips Island Nature Parks 13 Figure 2: Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach 14 List of Tables 1.0 Introduction 6 1.1 Visitor attraction and experience 6 1.2 Tourist/Tourism impacts on penguins 8 1.3 Conservation and Strategic plan 9 1.5 Conclusion 11 References 12 Appendices 13 Figure 1: Location of Phillips Island Nature Parks 13 Figure 2: Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach 14 1.0 Introduction Phillip Island Nature Parks is popular for penguin tourism and also conservational coastal scenery for the Little Penguins. The Nature Parks include Churchill Island Heritage Farm, Koala Conservation Centre, EcoBoat Tour, Antarctic Journey and the Penguin Parade. Some of the activities are day trips, wildlife viewing, galleries and museums, walking and cycling, fishing and boating, golf and outdoor activities. According to The Nature Park Annual Report 2014-2015, the visitor numbers across all attractions grew from 1.22 million to 1.26 million from the previous year. Specifically, Penguin Parade visitor numbers was 607,888 up from 575,476 in 2014-15 (see table 1). This report provides detailed description of visitor attraction and experience, impact of tourism on penguins, and conservation efforts based on a strategic plan. 1.1 Visitor attraction and experience One of the most popular attractions in Australia is the experience with Little Penguins at Phillips Island (see map in fig. 1). The penguins return ashore each night at sunset after a day’s fishing. Besides the amazement, the Little Penguins can be viewed from their natural habitat from boardwalk and stands. In the visitor centre, one enjoys educational and interactive displays while the Penguin Parade offers spectacular coastal scenery. The greatest experience is watching the Little Penguins waddle up to the sand dunes in the beach as the sun fades in the sky often in magical procession. At Summerland Beach, the main penguin viewing area offers 180 degree elevated viewing and tiered seating and of the Little Penguins on parade (See fig. 2). From elevated timber boardwalks, visitors get the opportunity to view the Little Penguins around their burrows. The fascinating lives of the penguins in commentaries and the natural elements of the surrounding landscape inspire up-close viewing (Stahel & Gales, 1987). Although it is limited to a maximum of 300 people, it provides some great penguin viewing. Underground viewing is limited to just 70 people if one desires bird’s-eye view of the little penguins. At eye-level, the underground viewing experience is an opportunity to watch the penguins waddling along popular pathway. In their natural habitat, up-close viewing from underground windows provide convenience and comfort of being out of the elements, undercover and indoors. Penguin sky box has elevated and exclusive viewing tower at the main viewing stand. While allowing five people to stand at pole position each evening, Reilly (1994) observes that visitors assist in the penguin count and interact with a ranger. The ultimate penguin tour is a more intimate and personalized wildlife tour created for up to 15 groups where they can view Little Penguins in secluded and stunning beaches under accredited eco-tour. As they view penguins, participants use night vision technology through personal headphones to get informative commentary by rangers. Ranger-led tour is exciting behind the scenes in the form of Penguin Eco Explorer Tour. The Penguin parade researchers and rangers protect the Little Penguins. Also, the Visitor Centre features theatre, toilets, café, gift shops and informative displays. However, it is not allowed to film and photograph the penguins. 1.2 Tourist/Tourism impacts on penguins Impacts of visitors on the little penguins can be negative or positive. Negative impacts include invasive species, disturbance of fragile environment and impact on breeding penguins. Visitors can accidentally bring in seeds or insects on clothes, boots, and through food which becomes invasive species. According to Hobday (1992), influx of people impacts on breeding little penguins which may cause them to vacate an area or abandon their nest when disturbed regularly. Due to the constant activity within the breeding places, records of penguins show that they no longer nest on their bases. Visitors leave paths and other scars as they walk over the same piece of routes and ground creating disturbance or erosion of fragile environments. However, the positive effects of visitors is that they educated and influential which tend to propel the message of conservation and reinforce the educational atmosphere (Giese, 1996). Moreover, tourists become ambassadors for Phillips Islands on the need to care and conserve the Australian environment. The body weight of Little Penguins fluctuates considerably across the annual breeding cycle. Moulting and incubating penguins respond to a standard pedestrian stimulus at the greatest distances, and after the visit, their behavior remains affected for up to 15 minutes (Chiaradia, et al., 2003). During moult and incubation, which are more sensitive periods, reducing human activity and other harmful effects can be achieved through greater set-back distances and minimizing visitation. The direction for research in key pre-laying activities of recruitment and nest prospecting determines the effect of human activity on the seapenguins. Visitors can also influence health of oceans and food supply that ultimately addresses negative impacts from natural or human factors (Chiaradia & Kerry, 1999). According to a research by Holmes, et al. (2005) Penguins showed a six-fold increase in vigilance and increase by 1.23 times on the average resting heart rate. Although this was a precursor to flight response or a fight, there were no penguins that fled their nests. A single pedestrian at five meters is viewed by incubating Penguins as the big threat compared to overflight predators. Holmes, et al. (2006) found that penguins breeding on station had less behavioral responses compared to penguins breeding under pedestrian visitation at a research station. The breeding success off station and pedestrian activity showed no relationship. However, it is not straightforward to understand the direct comparisons of the potential impacts tourism on wildlife and from government expeditions in the region. Robinson et al (2005) opines that wildlife respond differently given the varying characteristics of human-wildlife interactions. For example, in off stations at the nature parks, interactions between government expeditioners and wildlife are of low frequency and intensity. Within the station, interactions are of frequency and high intensity. The key factors influence the penguin’s effectiveness during the nesting period include the number of persons approaching incubating areas and the validity of the 5 metre distance that result in behavioral changes. Penguins maintain a normal activity under greater set-back distances (Chiaradia & Kerry, 1999). Nevertheless, during more sensitive breeding phases of incubation and moult, any disturbance increases the likelihood of flushing among moulting penguins. 1.3 Conservation and Strategic plan Conservation of little penguins is being enhanced by protecting natural assets and island-wide environmental management despite local threat that may impact the future of the Nature Park. The park is working closely with farmers and private land-owners. Research for the Nature Park on reintroduction of indigenous flora and fauna is a key strategic asset alongside strategies for environmental management (Annual Report, 2014-2015). Protecting natural assets also involve building resilience to climate variation, creating buffer zones, managing ecotourism and recreational visitation and building knowledge on marine and coastal environmental protection. On the other hand, island-wide environmental management involves the assessment of funding options for fauna and flora strategies. Moreover, there is need to switch to strategies on integrated coastal management in conjunction with private landowners, Melbourne Water and Aboriginal affairs Victoria (Annual Report, 2014-2015). A lasting approach through research to eliminate foxes, vermin and feral animals is required. Local conservation efforts continue to work with interested conservation groups and farmers to increase the populations of native penguins and swamp wallabies. The five-year strategic plan for conservation involves developing a mission, objectives, vision, values and implementation plan for the conservation efforts. The vision of Phillips Island Nature Park is to be a world-recognized place of authentic experiences and outstanding conservation excellence for all. Its mission is to enhance and conserve the environment of the Nature Parks for future and current generations, while attaining a balanced social, economic, and environmental outcomes (Annual Report, 2014-2015). The five year strategic goals for 2012-2017 include planning, conservation, visitor attraction and experience, community, organization and governance. Planning provides the vision, funding options and involvement of stakeholders and communities while conservation looks into strengthening of cultural and natural assets. Visitor experience and attraction engages the ecotourism business model and conservation priorities while community develops stronger partnerships. The organization ensures a stock of skills and competence while governance is needed for organizational expansion in terms of breadth, significance and size. Lastly, the Nature Park is based on values such as communication, sustainability, growth and development, leadership and teamwork, responsibility, and respect and integrity. 1.5 Conclusion Little Penguins at Phillips Island Nature Parks are a major attraction to tourists who enjoy lasting experience from Penguin Parade, Penguin Plus, Underground Viewing, Penguin Sky Box, Ultimate Penguin Tour and Penguin Eco Explorer Tour. Visitors get the opportunity to watch the penguins as they waddle up the sandy dunes to the nests. However, there negative and positive impacts of tourism on the Little Penguins. Close proximity to nesting penguins cause them to flush or abandon their nests for good. Also, the penguins are likely to exhibit behavioural changes and changing in breeding grounds. Recent research has emphasized on creating at least a five meter distance so that visitors do not come into direct contact with the penguins. The strategic plan for conservation requires development of goals, objectives, values and implementation schedule for key activities. This includes attracting sponsors, undertaking conservation priorities and involving more researchers to help in the conservation of the little penguins. References Chiaradia, A Costalunga, A & Kerry, K 2003, The diet of little penguins at Phillip Island, Victoria, in the absence of a major prey-Pilchard. EMU, vol. 103, no. 4, pp. 43-48. Chiaradia, A & Kerry, K 1999, Daily nest attendance and breeding performance in the little penguins at Phillip Island, Australia. Marine Ornithology, vol. 27, no. 3, p. 13-20. Dann, P & Norman, FI 2006, Population regulation in little penguins: The role of intraspecific competition for nesting sites and food during breeding. EMU, vol. 106, no. 3, p. 355-362. Giese, M 1996, Effects of human activity on Adelie Penguin breeding success. Pygoscelis Adeliae Biological Conservation, vol. 75, no. 3, p. 157-164. Hobday, DK 1992, Abundance and distribution of pilchard and Australian anchovy as prey species for the little penguin at Phillips Island. Eudyptula Minor, vol. 91, no. 3, p. 342- 354. Holmes, N., Giese, M. & Kriwoken, L. (2005). Testing the minimum approach distance guidelines for incubating Royal penguins (Eudyptes schlegeli), Biological Conservation, 126(3): 339- 350. Holmes, N Giese, M Achurch, H Robinson, S & Kriwoken, L 2006, Behavior and Breeding Success of Gentoo Penguins (Pygoscelis papua) in areas of low and high human activity, Polar Biology, vol. 29, no. 5, p. 399-412. Reilly, P 1994, Penguins of the World. Oxford University Press, Australia. Robinson, S Chiaradia, A & Hindell, MA 2005, The effect of body condition on the timing and success of breeding little penguins, Eudyptula Minor Ibis, vol. 147, no. 2, p. 483-489. Stahel, C & Gales, R 1987, Little Penguins: Fairy Penguins in Australia. New South Wales University Press, Kensington. The Nature Park Annual Report 2014-2015. https://www.penguins.org.au/assets/About/PDF-Publications/Annual-Report-2014-15.pdf. Appendices Figure 1: Location of Phillips Island Nature Parks Figure 2: Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach Table 1: Visitor numbers across all attractions (The Nature Park Annual Report 2014-2015) Read More