BirdingNZ.net

In light of the recently reported deaths of penguins, dolphins etc., Massey
University are involved in endeavours to ascertain why.

Accordingly, they have requested fresh birds, marine mammals & sharks as
follows:

1. We are dealing with an unknown health hazard and we want to
discourage contact with wildlife as far as possible. If you do come into
contact with wildlife sanitise your hands thoroughly.

2. Record any newly washed up birds around the Auckland area as they
are brought in by the tides, where possible, and please email the details to
monique.vanrensburg@gmail.com

3. If seabird carcass/es are found within the North Shore area, and
these appear fresh (i.e. eyes are turgid, no maggots) Massey University
would like to access these for necropsy to determine cause of death. Please
call Monique van Rensburg on 09 414 0800 ext. 41197 to report such cases.
PLEASE DO NOT COLLECT carcasses unless you have been instructed to do so.

4. Any marine mammal or shark carcasses should be reported immediately
to the Department of Conservation and Dr. Karen Stockin (Coastal and Marine
Group, Massey University) k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz or 09 414 0800 ext.
41127.

5. Thank you!

Simon

Plenty dead ones on the beach from Mount Maunganui southwards today.
We walked along just above the tideline from the Mount for about eight km.
Dead Little Blue Penguins all over. At least one every 300 to 500metres on
average. From each dead bird, the previous one could still be seen behind
us with the naked eye. All looked in good conidition, except for being dead!
Don't think this is the same problem as Hauraki Gulf (unless somebody just
dropped 90 tonnes of poison into the environment here too.......?,
(but that's just me thinking aloud..)
Puffer Fish toxin. Yeah, right.
Rewi

DOC press release:

Nature cruel but penguin deaths normal

Date: 12 August 2009


A large number of little blue penguins washing up on our shores have had authorities and the public concerned, however tests show that the Tauranga deaths are just part of nature’s cycle.

“This time of year is always challenging for the local penguin population” says Tauranga Biodiversity Programme Manager, Chris Clark. “Juveniles that have left their nests will sometimes fail to forage or get caught in stormy seas, and die”.

Testing of local samples, prompted by the recent Auckland beach scare, has found only starvation and parasitism as the cause of penguin deaths so far.

High juvenile mortality is unfortunate but natural for little blue penguins, particularly at this time of year. Often penguins simply need to rest, especially after a storm; however many are unable to fend for themselves and simply die of exhaustion or starvation.

The Department recommends that if people find a dead penguin, they should leave it or bury it on the beach. If a penguin is at risk from attack by a dog or other predator it should be placed under vegetation in the rear-dune well away from passers-by. If it is clearly injured please contact your local DOC office (Tauranga ph: +64 7 578 7677) or the DOCHOTline 0800 362 468 after hours.

The korora, little blue penguin, is the world’s smallest penguin and is found in both New Zealand and Southern Australia. Its main breeding sites are in the Hauraki Gulf and the eastern coast of Northland but this protected native species can be throughout the country.

Studies in the South Island have shown that typically only 30% of chicks survive to adulthood. During a difficult season, when little food is available, the mortality rate can be even higher. Some are found washed up on beaches, but the majority disappear.