A volunteer count on Monday night revealed 182 penguin estimated arrival numbers, which means the population on the island could be as high as 250 penguins.

Maremma dogs were introduced in 2006 to protect the penguins after a sharp decline in numbers due to foxes.

Group penguin project co-ordinator Melanie Wells said the growing population was a highlight for volunteers and expects penguin numbers to further increase.

“It’s a really exciting time,” Miss Wells said. “It goes to show the effort involved in the project by the Warrnambool City Council and the community. It goes to show it’s paying off. The population is not only recovering, but it’s increasing. 

“Prior to the fox predation, there was 860 penguins counted in 1999 by Deakin University PhD students. “2005-06 is when it was really decimated and the lowest it got to was four individual penguins coming back (to the island).”

A count two weeks ago recorded 92 penguins. She said the estimated 182 birds 14-days later was incredible. 

“It shows the need for dogs (on the island) is super important and the great work the community is doing with the Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network to manage the population. It is all worth it because the population is increasing.”

Miss Wells said fortnightly counts would continue during the summer months.

“I would expect it to increase. The peak arrival count is late December. I’m hoping the next count will be higher.”

She attributed the increased numbers to food availability, good seas and upwelling. “It’s been a really good year for seabirds. Phillip Island recorded its highest count ever in the last month,” she said.

“Four years ago we had a bad year in terms of food availability. All the seabird colonies had a bad year.

“These numbers mean the population is continuing to recover.”