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There has been a noticeable increase in the number of dead or exhausted little blue penguins (korora) on Hibiscus Coast beaches.
Residents have turned to Facebook to ask what they should do if they find a bird and if there is any reason for the sudden increase.
Department of Conservation’s principal science advisor Graeme Taylor says the harsher El Niño season in 2016 provided cooler, well-oxygenated and highly productive habitats for fish. This provided ideal breeding conditions for the blue penguins, which is the smallest penguin species in the world.
He says the change to La Niña conditions this summer has meant a harsher environment for the newly born birds.
Local residents are reporting spotting the penguins from Wenderholm to Arkles Bay.
“It is likely that lots of young penguin chicks left their nests in November and December,” Graeme says. “They are now struggling to find food as they’re on their own and learning to fend for themselves at sea.
“With their juvenile feathers, young birds are easily overpowered in harsher conditions.”
DOC says the average weight of chicks brought in to rescue centres is less than 500g, a dangerous weight for the young.
Blue penguins were once a common sight in NZ, but most are now mainly found on off-shore islands where there is less human disturbance.
Dogs are likely the greatest threat to the little penguin, but cats, ferrets and stoats will also kill them.
Adult birds come ashore between May and June to prepare nests. They may waddle up to 1.5 km from the sea, and climb 300m, to find the perfect nest site.
If someone finds a sick penguin, they should contact New Zealand bird rescue on 09 816 9291, ext 1.
Info: birdrescue.org.nz
