Penguin Conservation

Putting words into action!

Although they are the most abundant and widespread of the three Penguin species breeding on the New Zealand mainland, Little Blue Penguins illustrate important messages about seabird conservation in New Zealand and the risks that face foreshore ecosystems.

At risk from disturbance by humans, dogs, cats and mustelids, Little Blue Penguins no longer breed near towns and cities (except Oamaru and Wellington).

With this in mind, the International Antarctic Centre is actively involved in Penguin conservation through initiatives such as sponsoring a programme developed two years ago by the pupils of Le Bons Bay School on Banks Peninsula.  

This programme centred around a known colony of White Flippered Penguins (a sub-species of the Little Blue Penguin), that had been showing a decrease in numbers of breeding pairs. It involved setting a trap line around the headland at Le Bons Bay above the colony, to trap ferrets, wild cats and stoats that are known predators of the White Flippered and Little Blue Penguin.

The colony has been monitored since the programme started and it is estimated that it has grown by an extra 12 breeding pairs.

The International Antarctic Centre acknowledges and thanks the pupils and parents of Le Bons Bay School for their hard work and commitment to Penguin conservation in their area.

If you wish to help contribute to this programme, please click on the Penguin Sponsorship link.