Threats

Photo taken at Moeraki, courtesy Rex Weavers

Yellow-eyed penguins are little fighters to say the least. They must scale forbidding cliffs, penetrate dense undergrowth or cope with degraded habitat, while trying to raise two chicks a year in the face of - for most mainland birds - numerous predators. They face fluctuations in food supply and tirelessly seek out nest sites up to a whole kilometre inland.

Research questions below using the different Points of View. Take note of the yellow-eyed penguin's breeding, chick feeding, moulting stages and threats.

The different Points of View

How do land predators harm penguins?
A dog’s point of view
How do sea predators harm penguins?
A sea lion’s point of view
How would you react if a pack of lion tourists hung around your front porch?
A yellow-eyed penguin’s point of view
What are DOC and other agencies such as the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust doing to help the penguins?
The Department of Conservation’s point of view
?
Your own point of view
How does tourism disturb the penguins?
A tourist/photographer point of view
 
What problems does habitat loss and destruction cause the penguins?
A farmer’s point of view
Why do fishing nets, by-catch and pollution kill penguins?
A fisherman’s point of view
When does disturbance at nest sites and during moult cause problems?
A local hoon’s point of view