20 January 2006

Coromandel holiday makers, beach goers, and tourism operators have recently been reporting large numbers of dead little blue penguins washing ashore along the east coast.

DOC Biodiversity Ranger, Wendy Davies says that “high juvenile mortality is usual for this time of year as young penguins are starting to leave their nests and become independent”. Ms Davies says if you see a dead penguin it is best to leave it on the beach.

Exhausted or sick penguins are difficult to rehabilitate. However, if found the best thing to do is to put it in a cardboard box lined with something soft such as a towel, and leave it in a cool, dark place overnight. If it has cuts or is obviously injured call your local DOC office.

Carol Meyers (a bird-rescue specialist from Whangamata) says “Juvenile little blue penguins also moult their feathers between late December and March, which takes 10-18 days. This makes them look quite bedraggled. They don't eat during moulting as their feathers become waterlogged if they get wet, so they can't go to sea. However they do lay down fat reserves to tide them over”. Ms Meyers says “ If you see a moulting penguin just leave it be, and don't put it back into the water”. If the penguin is in danger from dogs or other predators call your local DOC office.

The blue or little penguin (Eudyptula minor) or Korora can be found in many places around New Zealand and Southern Australia, and is the world's smallest penguin. They are a protected native species widespread throughout New Zealand. Islands off the eastern coast of Northland and in the Hauraki Gulf are their main breeding sites in the North Island.

Studies in the South Island showed that only around 30% of young penguins survive to adulthood. While some are seen dead on beaches, the majority just disappear. Of the birds that are found dead, most are less than one year old. In years where there is little food available, almost 100% of chicks may not survive, whereas in other years when more food is available, survival rates are much higher.

The public can assist by reporting sightings of dead little blue penguins on Coromandel beaches to DOC's Hauraki Area Office on +64 7 867 9180. They should report the date sighted, the location and the number of penguins.