There has been no evidence of fox attacks on the island since the dogs began working there.

Project needs two pups to keep foxes at bay

A world-first project is seeking two dogs to help save an Australian colony of little penguins.

For nearly 10 years, a pair of maremma dogs have been protecting the Middle Island colony from fox attacks, which had nearly wiped them out.

When the award-winning project began in 2006, fewer than 10 penguins remained on the island, which is near the coast of Warrnambool in Victoria. Now, their numbers have shot up to around 150.

The island has also been closed to the public to avoid the risk of chicks and eggs being trampled, which has contributed to the boost in numbers.

According to the Middle Island Maremma Project, there has been no evidence of any fox attacks since the dogs began working there.

However, the current maremma guardians Eudy and Tula are now eight years old. Plans are in place to retire them and train two maremma puppies to take their place on the island.

The project is made up of the Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare, Deakin University and Warrnambool City Council - but it receives no funding from the state or federal government.

A crowdfunding drive has been launched to raise the $25,000 needed to buy and train the maremma pups. To date, it has raised over $11,800, but has just 37 days left to reach the target.

The first puppy will be trained alongside Eudy and Tula for a year in the run-up to their retirement. A second puppy will then be trained alongside the first-year dog. The dogs spend five days a week protecting the colony during breeding season.

After retirement, Eudy and Tula will become ambassadors for the project, meeting members of the public at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.

Image © Gretal Sneath/Outback Magazine