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The Penguins have a sheepdog

January 9, 2009 Jen

On small south-coast Australian island, called Middle Island, a plan has been in action for 4 years to help protect a colony of little blue penguins.

little-blue-penguin by M Kuhn
Photo by M Kuhn on flickr

Maremma sheepdogs are guarding our favorite little penguins as a way to ward off foxes and wild dogs. The plan appears to be working, the island has seen it’s best count of penguins since 2006!

Maremma sheepdog by ekpatterson on flickr
Photo by ekpatterson on flickr

According to an article from Earth Times, “Until a couple of Maremmas, a breed of sheepdog from Italy, were recruited to guard the fairy penguins on Middle Island four years ago, conservationists had despaired of saving the colony. Numbers had fallen from 5,000 to just 100.”

Penguin News australia, conservation, Maremma sheepdog, penguins

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Baby Penguins Everywhere by Melissa Guion

Here’s an adorable new picture book, Baby Penguins Everywhere! This delightful children’s book by Melissa Guion is full of wonderful penguin illustrations with with a lovely message about spending time together and taking time for yourself.

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