Variable breeding success and its implication in the conservation of endangered yellow‐eyed penguin ( Megadyptes antipodes ) at the New Zealand subantarctic Auckland Islands

Breeding success of the endangered yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) varies significantly over time, with a sharp decline observed in 2017 due to high egg mortality on Enderby Island, Auckland Islands. Despite higher fledging success compared to mainland New Zealand in some years, chicks were smaller and lighter, suggesting potential challenges in juvenile survival. The study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring across subantarctic populations to establish baseline productivity and assess the impact of anthropogenic stressors. Researchers analyzed 167 nests over three breeding seasons (2015–2017), tracking egg/chick mortality and fledging rates, alongside chick condition data from 276 individuals. These findings underscore the importance of consistent monitoring to inform conservation strategies for this declining species.

Muller, C. G., Chilvers, B. L., French, R. K., & Battley, P. F. (2024). Variable breeding success and its implication in the conservation of endangered yellow‐eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) at the New Zealand subantarctic Auckland Islands. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 34(4). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4143