Supporters of Tasmania's little penguin population have continued to push for their protection after two individuals allegedly attempted to take a little penguin and eggs from a Low Head rookery on Sunday.
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Tasmanian Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson said punishment for trying to take penguins can be taken to a federal level.
"Penguins are a federally listed marine species, under Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation laws," he said.
"It is a serious offence to take, trade or keep alive one of those species ... that can involve up to two years imprisonment.
"I don't see a reason why that [escalation] shouldn't happen."
According to Tasmania Police, one penguin and two eggs were alleged to have been stolen from a rookery near the Low Head Light House.
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Birdlife Tasmania convenor Dr Eric Woehler said disrupting the penguins in winter was particularly disappointing given the uncommon nature of breeding at this time of year.
He said while people have always had a fascination in owning wild animals, actual instances of penguin theft in Tasmania were uncommon.
"I am aware that it has happened but thankfully it's something that is relatively rare," he said.
Dr Woehler said it was unlikely the eggs would survive, and may have halted any uncommon winter breeding efforts by the penguins involved.
Police said a members of the public intervened in the incident, which resulted in the live penguin being released.
Low Head Penguin Colony president Stephen Gordon praised the efforts of the unknown saviours.
"It's a combined effort, if we can make everyone aware of how good this natural reserve is, there's going to be more community advantage in the future," he said.
Mr Gordon said the Low Head community group had worked hard since its inception last year to raise awareness of local penguin populations.