Yellow-eyed Penguin
Encyclopedia
The Yellow-eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) or Hoiho is a penguin
native to New Zealand. Previously thought closely related to the Little Penguin
(Eudyptula minor), molecular research has shown it more closely related to penguins of the genus Eudyptes
. Like most other penguins, it is mainly piscivorous.
The species breeds around the South Island of New Zealand, as well as Stewart
, Auckland
and Campbell Islands. Colonies on the Otago Peninsula
are a popular tourist venue, where visitors may closely observe penguins from hides, trenches or tunnels.
was discovered in 2008.) Previously thought closely related to the Little Penguin
(Eudyptula minor), new molecular research has shown it more closely related to penguins of the genus Eudyptes
. Mitochondrial and nuclear
DNA
evidence suggests it split from the ancestors of Eudyptes around 15 million years ago.
The Yellow-eyed Penguin was described by Jacques Bernard Hombron
and Honoré Jacquinot
in 1841. The Maori name is Hoiho.
This is a fairly large penguin, measuring 65–79 cm (25.6–31.1 in) long. Weights vary through the year being greatest, 7 to 8 kg (15.5–18 lbs), just before moulting and least, 5 to 6 kg (11–13.2 lbs), after moulting. The males are larger than the females. It has a pale yellow head and paler yellow iris with black feather shafts. The chin and throat are brownish-black. There is a band of bright yellow running from its eyes around the back of the head. The juvenile has a grayer head with no band and their eyes have a gray iris.
The Yellow-eyed Penguin may be long lived, with some individuals reaching 20 years of age. Males are generally longer lived than females, leading to a sex ratio of 2:1 around the age of 10–12 years.
This penguin usually nests in forest or scrub, among Native Flax (Phormium tenax
) and lupin (Lupinus arboreus
), on slopes or gullies, or the shore itself, facing the sea. These areas are generally sited in small bays or on headland areas of larger bays. It is found in New Zealand
, on the south-east coast of South Island
, Foveaux Strait
and Stewart Island/Rakiura
, and Auckland
and Campbell Islands. It expanded its range from the subantarctic islands to the main islands of New Zealand after the extinction of the Waitaha Penguin
several hundred years ago.
.
In spring 2004, a previously undescribed disease killed off 60% of Yellow-eyed Penguin chicks on the Otago peninsula
and in North Otago
. The disease has been linked to an infection
of Corynebacterium
, a genus of bacteria that also causes diphtheria
in humans. It has recently been described as diphtheritic stomatitis
. However, it seems as if this is just a secondary infection. The primary pathogen
remains unknown. A similar problem has affected the Stewart Island population.
) making up the remainder. Fish species consumed include the blue cod
(Parapercis colias), red cod
(Pseudophycis bachus), opalfish
(Hemerocoetes monopterygius), and New Zealand Blueback Sprat
(Sprattus antipodum), all between 2 and 32 cm (1–13 in) long. Cephalopods make up almost half (49%) of the diet of immature birds.
Whether or not Yellow-eyed Penguins are colonial nesters has been an ongoing issue with zoologists in New Zealand. Most Antarctic penguin species nest in large high density aggregations of birds. For an example see the photo of nesting Emperor Penguin
. In contrast yellow-eyed penguins do not nest within visual sight of each other. While they can be seen coming ashore in groups of 4–6 or more individuals then disperse along track to individual nests sites out of sight of each other. The consensus view of New Zealand penguin workers is that it is preferable to use habitat rather than colony to refer to areas where yellow-eyed penguins nest.Nest sites are selected in August and normally two eggs are laid in September. The incubation duties (lasting 39-51 days) are shared by both parents who may spend several days on the nest at a time. For the first six weeks after hatching, the chicks are guarded during the day by one parent while the other is at sea feeding. The foraging adult returns at least daily to feed the chicks and relieve the partner.
After the chicks are six weeks of age, both parents go to sea to supply food to their rapidly growing offspring. Chicks usually fledge in mid February and are totally independent from then on. Chick fledge weights are generally between 5 and 6 kg.
First breeding occurs at 3-4 years of age and long term partnerships are formed. Yellow-eyed penguins may live for up to 24 years.
, Moeraki
light-house, a number of beaches near Dunedin
, and The Catlins
. In addition commercial tourist operations on Otago Peninsula
also provide hides to view Yellow-eyed Penguins.
in November 2007 by the Department of Conservation and the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust.
Penguin
Penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the southern hemisphere, especially in Antarctica. Highly adapted for life in the water, penguins have countershaded dark and white plumage, and their wings have become flippers...
native to New Zealand. Previously thought closely related to the Little Penguin
Little Penguin
The Little Penguin is the smallest species of penguin. The penguin, which usually grows to an average of in height and in length , is found on the coastlines of southern Australia and New Zealand, with possible records from Chile.Apart from Little Penguins, they have several common names...
(Eudyptula minor), molecular research has shown it more closely related to penguins of the genus Eudyptes
Eudyptes
The term crested penguin is the name given to several species of penguin of the genus Eudyptes. The exact number varies between four and seven depending on the authority, and a Chatham Islands species may have become extinct in the 19th century...
. Like most other penguins, it is mainly piscivorous.
The species breeds around the South Island of New Zealand, as well as Stewart
Stewart Island/Rakiura
Stewart Island/Rakiura is the third-largest island of New Zealand. It lies south of the South Island, across Foveaux Strait. Its permanent population is slightly over 400 people, most of whom live in the settlement of Oban.- History and naming :...
, Auckland
Auckland Islands
The Auckland Islands are an archipelago of the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands and include Auckland Island, Adams Island, Enderby Island, Disappointment Island, Ewing Island, Rose Island, Dundas Island and Green Island, with a combined area of...
and Campbell Islands. Colonies on the Otago Peninsula
Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula is a long, hilly indented finger of land that forms the easternmost part of Dunedin, New Zealand. Volcanic in origin, it forms one wall of the eroded valley that now forms Otago Harbour. The peninsula lies south-east of Otago Harbour and runs parallel to the mainland for...
are a popular tourist venue, where visitors may closely observe penguins from hides, trenches or tunnels.
Taxonomy
The Yellow-eyed Penguin is the sole extant species in the genus Megadyptes. (A smaller, recently extinct species M. waitahaWaitaha Penguin
The Waitaha Penguin is an extinct species of New Zealand penguin discovered in November 2008.The new species was discovered by University of Otago and University of Adelaide scientists comparing the foot bones of 500-year-old, 100-year-old and modern specimens of penguins...
was discovered in 2008.) Previously thought closely related to the Little Penguin
Little Penguin
The Little Penguin is the smallest species of penguin. The penguin, which usually grows to an average of in height and in length , is found on the coastlines of southern Australia and New Zealand, with possible records from Chile.Apart from Little Penguins, they have several common names...
(Eudyptula minor), new molecular research has shown it more closely related to penguins of the genus Eudyptes
Eudyptes
The term crested penguin is the name given to several species of penguin of the genus Eudyptes. The exact number varies between four and seven depending on the authority, and a Chatham Islands species may have become extinct in the 19th century...
. Mitochondrial and nuclear
Cell nucleus
In cell biology, the nucleus is a membrane-enclosed organelle found in eukaryotic cells. It contains most of the cell's genetic material, organized as multiple long linear DNA molecules in complex with a large variety of proteins, such as histones, to form chromosomes. The genes within these...
DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
evidence suggests it split from the ancestors of Eudyptes around 15 million years ago.
The Yellow-eyed Penguin was described by Jacques Bernard Hombron
Jacques Bernard Hombron
Doctor Jacques Bernard Hombron was a French naval surgeon and naturalist.Hombron served on the French voyage of the Astrolabe and Zelee between 1837 and 1840 to investigate the perimeter of Antarctica. He described a number of plants and animals with Honoré Jacquinot.-See also:* European and...
and Honoré Jacquinot
Honoré Jacquinot
Honoré Jacquinot was a French surgeon and zoologist. Jacquinot was the younger brother of the naval officer Charles Hector Jacquinot, and sailed with him as a naturalist on La Zelee on Dumont d'Urville's Astrolabe expedition . With J. B...
in 1841. The Maori name is Hoiho.
Description
The Yellow-eyed Penguin may be long lived, with some individuals reaching 20 years of age. Males are generally longer lived than females, leading to a sex ratio of 2:1 around the age of 10–12 years.
Distribution and habitat
Phormium tenax
Phormium tenax is an evergreen perennial plant native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island that is an important fibre plant and a popular ornamental plant...
) and lupin (Lupinus arboreus
Lupinus arboreus
Lupinus arboreus is a species of lupine native to the western United States in California, where it is widely distributed among coastal scrub and sand dunes...
), on slopes or gullies, or the shore itself, facing the sea. These areas are generally sited in small bays or on headland areas of larger bays. It is found in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, on the south-east coast of South Island
South Island
The South Island is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand, the other being the more populous North Island. It is bordered to the north by Cook Strait, to the west by the Tasman Sea, to the south and east by the Pacific Ocean...
, Foveaux Strait
Foveaux Strait
Foveaux Strait separates Stewart Island/Rakiura, New Zealand's third largest island, from the South Island. Three large bays, Te Waewae Bay, Oreti Beach and Toetoes Bay, sweep along the strait's northern coast, which also hosts Bluff township and harbour. Across the strait lie the Solander...
and Stewart Island/Rakiura
Stewart Island/Rakiura
Stewart Island/Rakiura is the third-largest island of New Zealand. It lies south of the South Island, across Foveaux Strait. Its permanent population is slightly over 400 people, most of whom live in the settlement of Oban.- History and naming :...
, and Auckland
Auckland Islands
The Auckland Islands are an archipelago of the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands and include Auckland Island, Adams Island, Enderby Island, Disappointment Island, Ewing Island, Rose Island, Dundas Island and Green Island, with a combined area of...
and Campbell Islands. It expanded its range from the subantarctic islands to the main islands of New Zealand after the extinction of the Waitaha Penguin
Waitaha Penguin
The Waitaha Penguin is an extinct species of New Zealand penguin discovered in November 2008.The new species was discovered by University of Otago and University of Adelaide scientists comparing the foot bones of 500-year-old, 100-year-old and modern specimens of penguins...
several hundred years ago.
Conservation
This species of penguin is endangered, with an estimated population of 4000. It is considered one of the world's rarest penguin species. The main threats include habitat degradation and introduced predators. It may be the most ancient of all living penguins. In August 2010 the yellow-eyed penguin was granted protection under the U.S. Endangered Species ActEndangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 is one of the dozens of United States environmental laws passed in the 1970s. Signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973, it was designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction as a "consequence of economic growth and...
.
Health
Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula is a long, hilly indented finger of land that forms the easternmost part of Dunedin, New Zealand. Volcanic in origin, it forms one wall of the eroded valley that now forms Otago Harbour. The peninsula lies south-east of Otago Harbour and runs parallel to the mainland for...
and in North Otago
North Otago
The district of North Otago in New Zealand covers the area of Otago between Shag Point and the Waitaki River, and extends inland to the west as far as the village of Omarama . The large east-coast town of Oamaru serves as North Otago's main centre...
. The disease has been linked to an infection
Infection
An infection is the colonization of a host organism by parasite species. Infecting parasites seek to use the host's resources to reproduce, often resulting in disease...
of Corynebacterium
Corynebacterium
Corynebacterium is a genus of Gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria. They are widely distributed in nature and are mostly innocuous. Some are useful in industrial settings such as C. glutamicum. Others can cause human disease. C...
, a genus of bacteria that also causes diphtheria
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an upper respiratory tract illness caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a facultative anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium. It is characterized by sore throat, low fever, and an adherent membrane on the tonsils, pharynx, and/or nasal cavity...
in humans. It has recently been described as diphtheritic stomatitis
Diphtheritic stomatitis
Diphtheritic stomatitis is a recently discovered disease and has thus far been reported only in Yellow-eyed penguins . Its symptoms are similar to human diphtheria and is characterized by infecteous lesions in the mouth area that impede swallowing and cause respiratory troubles...
. However, it seems as if this is just a secondary infection. The primary pathogen
Pathogen
A pathogen gignomai "I give birth to") or infectious agent — colloquially, a germ — is a microbe or microorganism such as a virus, bacterium, prion, or fungus that causes disease in its animal or plant host...
remains unknown. A similar problem has affected the Stewart Island population.
Behaviour
The Yellow-eyed Penguin generally forages 7–13 km (4–8 miles) offshore, and travelling on average around 17 km (10.6 mi) away from the nesting site. Birds leave the colony at dawn and return the same evening during chick rearing, although may spend 2–3 days at sea at other times. Average depth dived is 34 m (112 ft).Diet
The Yellow-eyed Penguin pursues prey in 20–60 m (66–196 ft) deep dives. Around 90% of the Yellow-eyed Penguin's diet is made up of fish; with cephalopods such as the arrow squid (Nototodarus sloaniiNototodarus sloanii
Nototodarus sloanii is a species of squid commonly known as the New Zealand Arrow Squid or Wellington Flying Squid. N. sloanii is a favoured prey species of a number of marine mammals and diving birds. For example, New Zealand Arrow Squid is an important food source for the endangered Yellow-eyed...
) making up the remainder. Fish species consumed include the blue cod
Blue cod
Blue cod, Parapercis colias, is a temperate marine fish of the family Pinguipedidae. It is also known variously as Boston blue cod, New Zealand cod, sand perch or its Māori names rawaru and pakirikiri....
(Parapercis colias), red cod
Red codling
The red codling or hoka, Pseudophycis bachus, is a morid cod of the genus Pseudophycis, found around southern Australia and New Zealand, from the surface to 700 m. Its length is up to 90 cm. P. bachus is a food source for the diving Yellow-eyed Penguin, Megadyptes antipodes-References:* Tony...
(Pseudophycis bachus), opalfish
Opalfish
The opalfish, Hemerocoetes monopterygius, is a duckbill of the genus Hemerocoetes, found only around New Zealand, at depths of between 5 and 200 m...
(Hemerocoetes monopterygius), and New Zealand Blueback Sprat
New Zealand blueback sprat
The New Zealand blueback sprat, Sprattus antipodum, is a herring-like, forage fish of the family Clupeidae found in the waters around New Zealand, between latitudes 37° S and 48° S, and longitude 166° E and 180° E, to depths of up to 50 m...
(Sprattus antipodum), all between 2 and 32 cm (1–13 in) long. Cephalopods make up almost half (49%) of the diet of immature birds.
Breeding
Emperor Penguin
The Emperor Penguin is the tallest and heaviest of all living penguin species and is endemic to Antarctica. The male and female are similar in plumage and size, reaching in height and weighing anywhere from . The dorsal side and head are black and sharply delineated from the white belly,...
. In contrast yellow-eyed penguins do not nest within visual sight of each other. While they can be seen coming ashore in groups of 4–6 or more individuals then disperse along track to individual nests sites out of sight of each other. The consensus view of New Zealand penguin workers is that it is preferable to use habitat rather than colony to refer to areas where yellow-eyed penguins nest.Nest sites are selected in August and normally two eggs are laid in September. The incubation duties (lasting 39-51 days) are shared by both parents who may spend several days on the nest at a time. For the first six weeks after hatching, the chicks are guarded during the day by one parent while the other is at sea feeding. The foraging adult returns at least daily to feed the chicks and relieve the partner.
After the chicks are six weeks of age, both parents go to sea to supply food to their rapidly growing offspring. Chicks usually fledge in mid February and are totally independent from then on. Chick fledge weights are generally between 5 and 6 kg.
First breeding occurs at 3-4 years of age and long term partnerships are formed. Yellow-eyed penguins may live for up to 24 years.
Tourism
Several mainland habitats have hides and are relatively easily accessible for those wishing to watch the birds come ashore. These include beaches at OamaruOamaru
Oamaru , the largest town in North Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand, is the main town in the Waitaki District. It is 80 kilometres south of Timaru and 120 kilometres north of Dunedin, on the Pacific coast, and State Highway 1 and the railway Main South Line connects it to both...
, Moeraki
Moeraki
Moeraki is a small fishing village on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It was once the location of a whaling station. In the 1870s, local interests believed it could become the main port for the north Otago area and a railway line, the Moeraki Branch, was built to the settlement...
light-house, a number of beaches near Dunedin
Dunedin
Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago Region. It is considered to be one of the four main urban centres of New Zealand for historic, cultural, and geographic reasons. Dunedin was the largest city by territorial land area until...
, and The Catlins
The Catlins
The Catlins comprises an area in the southeastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. The area lies between Balclutha and Invercargill, straddling the boundary between the Otago and Southland regions...
. In addition commercial tourist operations on Otago Peninsula
Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula is a long, hilly indented finger of land that forms the easternmost part of Dunedin, New Zealand. Volcanic in origin, it forms one wall of the eroded valley that now forms Otago Harbour. The peninsula lies south-east of Otago Harbour and runs parallel to the mainland for...
also provide hides to view Yellow-eyed Penguins.
Conservation
A reserve protecting more than 10% of the mainland population was established at Long Point in the CatlinsThe Catlins
The Catlins comprises an area in the southeastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. The area lies between Balclutha and Invercargill, straddling the boundary between the Otago and Southland regions...
in November 2007 by the Department of Conservation and the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust.
In culture
- The Hoiho appears on the reverse side of the New Zealand $5 noteNew Zealand dollarThe New Zealand dollar is the currency of New Zealand. It also circulates in the Cook Islands , Niue, Tokelau, and the Pitcairn Islands. It is divided into 100 cents....
. - The Yellow-eyed Penguin is used as the mascot to Dunedin City CouncilDunedinDunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago Region. It is considered to be one of the four main urban centres of New Zealand for historic, cultural, and geographic reasons. Dunedin was the largest city by territorial land area until...
's recycling and solid waste management campaign. - The Yellow-eyed Penguin is also featured in Farce of the PenguinsFarce of the PenguinsFarce of the Penguins is a 2007 American direct-to-video parody of the 2005 documentary March of the Penguins. The motion picture features Samuel L. Jackson as narrator, with the two main characters being voiced by Bob Saget, who also wrote and directed the film, and Lewis Black...
, in which they complain about global warmingGlobal warmingGlobal warming refers to the rising average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans and its projected continuation. In the last 100 years, Earth's average surface temperature increased by about with about two thirds of the increase occurring over just the last three decades...
.
Further reading
Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is endangered.External links
- BBC Science and nature page about Megadyptes waitaha
- Official Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust site in New Zealand
- Yellow-eyed penguin facts @ Penguins in New Zealand
- penguinpage.net - Research blog about a project investigating Yellow-eyed penguin foraging behaviour
- Yellow-eyed penguins from the International Penguin Conservation Web Site