The small population of Yellow-eyed Penguins on Banks Peninsula has been persisting at 5-8 pairs (and up to 20+ birds) for many years and are closely guarded by Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust, DOC and CHCH City Council ranger staff. Despite our best efforts on land through predator control and habitat protection, like YEPs in Otago and Southland, they suffer from the vagaries of conditions and threats at sea. This year pairs have nested in at least 5 bays but at least 2 pairs have failed to hatch eggs for reasons unknown. Fingers are crossed the remaining pairs will successfully raise one chick each and keep the population going..
Rough season for Banks Peninsula YEPs
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