Resumption of Rakali Watch Rakali observations in the St Kilda area 2003- 2004

Resumption of Rakali Watch

Rakali observations in the St Kilda area 2003-2004

Previous monitoring by Earthcare 1997-1999 Aims for resumed program

- St Kilda Breakwater

- New sites: Albert Park & Elwood Canal

- Baseline data: observation only

Who, What, Where & When

Earthcare volunteer network

- First night about 14 volunteers

- Regular volunteers about 6-8 Fortnightly monitoring Variety of sites Observation record

Observations Recorded

Positive and negative interactions Intraspecific and interspecific Swimming and diving

- recorded swimming over 100 m

- dive times up to 16 s

- speed

Food

Often observed – difficult to identify

Feeding middens Found on rocks and boats- Tube Worms- Crabs- Small fish- Yabbies- Bread- Penguin eggs?

Population

Average Sightings

Average Individuals

Breakwater 14 6

Albert Park 7 4

Elwood Canal 8 4

Summary

Population small but stable at all sites

Successful breeding Variety of food sources Program to continue