In a celebration of New Zealand's unique avifauna, the yellow-eyed penguin, known locally as hoiho, has emerged victorious in the 2024 Bird of the Year competition. This marks the second triumph for this rare species, which previously claimed the title in 2019.
The contest, organized by Forest and Bird, saw the hoiho garner 6,328 votes, outpacing contenders such as the Chatham Island black robin and the kakapo. While the event attracted nearly 52,500 participants, it was notably more subdued compared to the previous year's global frenzy sparked by comedian John Oliver's campaign for the puteketeke.
Nicola Toki, CEO of Forest and Bird, emphasized the critical state of the hoiho population. "We've witnessed a 78% decline in their mainland numbers over just 15 years, primarily due to predators and climate change," she stated. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts.
The hoiho, endemic to New Zealand, boasts several unique characteristics. Despite its Maori name translating to "noise shouter," it is known for its elusive nature and distinctive odor. With an estimated population of 4,000 to 5,000 individuals, it is considered one of the world's rarest penguin species.
Interesting facts about the hoiho include:
- They are the only penguin species that nests in forests
- Adults can weigh up to 6 kg and stand about 65 cm tall
- They are monogamous, often mating for life
- Their diet consists mainly of fish, squid, and crustaceans
The Bird of the Year competition reflects New Zealanders' deep connection to their native birds. Toki remarked, "It's great to see us clicking into our national identity." This sentiment is particularly poignant given New Zealand's unique avian ecosystem, which evolved with few land-based predators, resulting in an abundance of flightless bird species.
Conservation efforts for the hoiho include predator control and habitat restoration. As an endangered species on the IUCN Red List, the yellow-eyed penguin faces multiple threats, including habitat loss and the impacts of climate change.
The hoiho's victory in this year's competition serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by New Zealand's native birds and the importance of continued conservation efforts to protect these unique species for future generations.