Point data for wildlife on Macquarie Island, 2023-2024

Indicative point data representing penguins, flying birds and seals on Macquarie Island. The locations were confirmed by Andrea Turbett, Macquarie Island Executive Officer, in March 2024, based on island-wide censuses conducted annually on Macquarie Island by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. Attribute data provided by Sam Thalmann, Wildlife Biologist, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. The data includes which annual census the indicative point locations are referencing. Gentoo penguins: Care needs to be exercised in the interpretation of gentoo penguin colony locations as point data is indicative only, and gentoo penguins move colony locations annually. Due to the dynamic nature of the gentoo penguin colony establishment and breeding behaviour on the island, advice should be sought from the Macquarie Island Ranger in Charge on station if greater data resolution is required.Wandering albatross:The census data collates breeding activity including breeding effort and breeding success for individual wandering albatross nests. The species breeds once every two years, with breeding activity focused on the southwest and west coast. Representative point data indicate recent breeding activity, and/or recent aggregations of non-breeding birds displaying courtship behaviour indicative of pre-breeding activity.Fur seals:Locations may consist of breeding fur seals or an area that is regularly and consistently occupied by seals hauled out and resting. Both behaviour types require the area to be avoided. Due to the dynamic nature of the seal distribution and breeding activity on the island, advice should be sought from the Macquarie Island Ranger in Charge on station if greater data resolution is required.King penguin chicks:The locations are based on the king penguin chick counts conducted annually. Every colony on Macquarie Island is located during August (nominally 15th) and reference images are taken to allow subsequent chick counts. Point data is indicative of the colony location.