Fiordland penguin

The Fiordland penguin (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus), also known as the Fiordland crested penguin, is a special type of penguin that lives only in one place in the world. In Māori, it is called tawaki or pokotiwha. This penguin is a kind of crested penguin and can only be found in certain areas.

It lives and nests along the south-western coasts of New Zealand's South Island, as well as on Stewart Island/Rakiura and nearby small islands. Even though its name includes "Fiordland," it used to live in other parts of New Zealand too, so sometimes people call it the New Zealand crested penguin. Occasionally, these penguins can even be spotted as far away as Australia.

Taxonomy

The Fiordland crested penguin was first described in 1845 by an English scientist named George Robert Gray. Its scientific name comes from Ancient Greek words meaning "thick" and "beak". This penguin is one of several species in a group called Eudyptes, a name that means "good diver" in Ancient Greek.

Description

The Fiordland penguin is a medium-sized penguin with a yellow crest. It grows to about 55 cm (22 in) long and weighs around 3.5 kg (7.7 lb), though it can range from 2 to 5 kg (4.4 to 11.0 lb). It has a black body with white markings on the face and a white front. Its bright yellow crest runs from the base of its beak over its eye and down its neck. Unlike some similar penguins, it does not have bare skin around the base of its bill. Female Fiordland penguins lay two eggs, but the first egg is smaller, hatches later, and often does not survive. This penguin breeds more successfully than many of its relatives, even when there are animals that might try to harm it.

Distribution and habitat

The Fiordland penguin makes its home in groups among tree roots and rocks in thick coastal forests. These birds live along the shores of New Zealand's South Island, especially around Fiordland and Foveaux Strait, as well as on Stewart Island/Rakiura and nearby islands. In the past, they were found much farther north, but today they live only in the least crowded parts of New Zealand. They were also once seen in Australia.

Behaviour

The Fiordland penguin mainly eats arrow squid, krill, and some fish. They hunt in different parts of the fjord, with some diving deeper than others.

These penguins become ready to breed around 5 to 6 years old. They breed from July to December, forming small groups and showing off with loud barks and special flipper moves. They lay two eggs, with the second one usually being larger. Both parents take turns watching the eggs and caring for the chicks. The young penguins stay with their parents for about 75 days before going out to sea on their own.

Conservation

Fiordland crested penguins are considered at risk by the IUCN. In 2013, their status was changed from vulnerable to endangered by the Department of Conservation. Surveys in the 1990s counted about 2,500 pairs, but the actual number may be higher. However, the population is likely decreasing.

The main dangers to these penguins come from animals that were brought to the area, such as dogs, cats, rats, and stoats. These animals can harm the penguins. People disturbing the nests can also be a problem, as it may cause the penguins to leave their chicks behind, putting them at risk.