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Hooded Plover Population Benefiting From Dog Ban

11 April 2017

Threatened wildlife in the Mornington Peninsula National Park are benefitting from the Andrews Labor Government’s decision to permanently prohibit dogs from the park.

The dog ban was put in place along the 42km coastline in November 2016 to protect the threatened Hooded Plover and its habitat.

Parks Victoria say the move has led to an increase in the number of Hooded Plover chicks surviving.

In addition, the dog ban appears to have assisted hooded Plover breeding activity, with Birdlife Australia confirming eight fledglings in the national park this season - up from one fledgling just two years ago.

Removing dogs has also enabled Parks Victoria to extend fox control programs and better protect the 32 other fauna species of conservation significance that also inhabit the park.

Parks Victoria are undertaking regular targeted patrols throughout the summer period, to ensure people continue to obey the ban.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Our dog ban is protecting the Hooded Plover and benefitting all wildlife in the Mornington Peninsula National Park.”

“Parks Victoria continues to educate park neighbours and visitors about the changes, and ensure they are obeyed."

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Daniel Mulino

“I thank the many dog owners on the Mornington Peninsula local who are upholding the regulations and finding alternative places to walk their dogs.”

“While a few people have been caught this summer, most dog owners are doing the right thing -- which is helping us protect the Peninsula."

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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