Maremma Dogs: Defenders of Penguins

It’s impossible to study fossil penguins without becoming keenly aware of the plight of their modern brethren. While I have a professional interest in expanding the pantheon of extinct penguins, I prefer the joy of a new fossil discovery to the heartbreak of watching an extant species march toward oblivion. Global penguin diversity is at a low ebb, which makes each living species all the more precious.One charming success story is the Middle Island Maremma conservation project. Australia’s Little Blue Penguins (also known as Fairy Penguins) are under assault in many areas by feral dogs and foxes.  An innovative program uses the Maremma Sheepdog to defend nesting penguins. Warning – some images may be dangerously cute.

You can read more here: https://www.thedodo.com/meet-the-dogs-responsible-for–749876261.html

Also, check out this video from the Warrnambool City Council.