Photo: ODT filesAn action plan to try to stop the endangered hoiho/ yellow-eyed penguin from becoming extinct has been released today. The 10-year plan was launched in Dunedin by the Department of Conservation, Fisheries New Zealand, the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust, and South Island tribe Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. During the last hoiho breeding season, the number of pairs dropped to the lowest level since 1990 in the South Island, Stewart Island and nearby islands. Falling penguin numbers were caused by lack of food, disease and predators, DOC stated. The plan includes monitoring of hoiho numbers, health, habitat, stresses and diet.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 01, 2020 00:00 UTC