Yellow-eyed Penguin Totally Explained

Everything about Megadyptes totally explained

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 all other penguins, it's 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.

Taxonomy

The Yellow-eyed Penguin is the sole species in the genus Megadyptes. 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.

Description

This is a fairly large penguin, averaging 75 cm (30 in) long and weighing about 6.3 kg (14 lbs). 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.

Distribution and habitat

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.

Conservation

The current status of this penguin is endangered, with an estimated population of 4,000. It is considered one of the world's rarest penguin species. The main threats include habitat degradation, introduced predators as well as environmental changes. It may be the most ancient of all living penguins.

Health

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 family 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.

Behaviour

The Yellow-eyed Penguin generally forages 7-13 km (4-8 miles) offshore, and travelling on average around 17 km (11 miles) 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 .

Diet

The Yellow-eyed Penguin pursues prey in 20-60 m (66-196 ft) deep dives.

In culture

The Hoiho appears on the [[NewZealand dollar note[ New Zealand ten dollar note]
The Yellow-eyed penguin is used as mascot for the recycling campaign of the City of Dunedin.

Further Information

Get more info on 'Megadyptes'.

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