Hoiho-world's rarest penguin

Forest and Bird, Volume 17, Issue 1, 1 February 1986, Page 16

Hoiho--world's rarest penguin

The yellow-eyed penguin, the world’s rarest, is in danger of becoming even rarer still because its habitat is being destroyed along the south-east coast of the South Island. This highly unusual penguin is found only in New Zealand — either on the mainland or a few southern offshore islands — with a significant breeding population found on the Tautuku Peninsula. Its numbers are estimated at between 1200 and 1800 pairs. Photographer and Southland schoolteacher Dean Schneider has over the last few years captured the birds in many moods; here are just a few of them. The Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society needs financial help to mount a Yellow-eyed Penguin Conservation Programme. In co-operation with Government agencies and the World Wildlife Fund it would: e foster understanding and concern through public education and research @ conserve the penguin’s coastal breeding habitat through land purchase, conservation covenants, fencing programmes and restoration by revegetation. Estimated cost of the programme is $50,000. Donations are tax deductible and welcomed from concerned businesses and individuals. Send your donations to: Save the Yellow-eyed Penguin Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society P O Box 631, Wellington. Further information available on request.