Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 4 hrs ago
New Zealand research maps more than 1,200 Fiordland penguin nests
Researchers are studying Fiordland crested penguins, known by the Māori name tawaki, in New Zealand's South Island.
The birds nest alone in forest burrows, often deep in dense rainforest rather than in the colonies common among many penguins.
Little was known about this declining species before the Tawaki Project began in 2014, led by researchers Thomas Mattern and Ursula Ellenberg.
The project has mapped 1,200 nests across nine fjords over 12 years, including 93 nests on two islands in September.
Researchers estimate the population is about three times larger than earlier surveys suggested, based on their nest mapping.
The team is also studying where tawaki feed and what threats they face, to learn more about the species.
Researchers have mapped more than 1,200 Fiordland crested penguin nests across nine fjords over 12 years.
The Tawaki Project says its mapping indicates the population is roughly three times larger than earlier surveys suggested.
In September, researchers mapped 93 nests across two islands in Fiordland.
The project studies the penguins’ population, breeding and foraging habits, and potential threats.
Fiordland crested penguins nest in individual burrows in forests rather than in colonies.
- Who
- Researchers with the Tawaki Project, a volunteer research initiative founded by Dr Thomas Mattern and Ursula Ellenberg.
- What
- The project has mapped more than 1,200 Fiordland crested penguin nests. Its findings suggest the population is roughly three times larger than earlier surveys indicated.
- When
- The mapping has taken place over the past 12 years. Researchers mapped 93 nests over September.
- Where
- Across nine fjords in Fiordland, on New Zealand’s South Island.
- Why
- The project aims to study the penguins’ population, breeding and foraging habits, and potential threats.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Thomas Mattern and Ursula Ellenberg founded the volunteer research project.
The project mapped more than 1,200 nests across nine fjords.
Researchers mapped 93 nests across two islands in Fiordland.
- Nests mapped
- More than 1,200
- Survey area
- Nine fjords in Fiordland, New Zealand
- Survey period
- Past 12 years
- September survey
- 93 nests across two islands
- Population estimate
- Roughly three times earlier survey estimates
What people are saying
Tawaki are a ghost
They are the most amazing penguin species … They do not fit any penguin mould. What we know about penguins, you throw it all out of the window.
It took us about four days to recapture that bird