Little Penguins Find New Homes Thanks to Local Residents' Efforts

[FamTimes reporter Jennylyn Gianan] The little penguin (Eudyptula minor) is known as the world's smallest penguin.

The Māori, the Indigenous people of New Zealand, call it the kororā.

The penguins' population falls within the abundant category, and the coasts of New Zealand and southern Australia also provide habitats where these seabirds can live.

They are found mainly along the coasts of New Zealand and southern Australia.

However, in searching for nearby nesting sites, they cross roads and expose themselves to greater danger. Known locally as “little blues,” they end up nesting on the doorsteps of people's homes.

Fortunately, local residents welcome them as neighbors and provide the little penguins with new places to nest.

Forest & Bird, a Wellington-based environmental organization, launched the “Places for Penguins” project in 2007. The project installs nesting boxes across the country and monitors little blues with the help of local volunteers. Wellington's mayor also supported the project.

One volunteer, Fraser Ross, often finds himself counting penguin nests or guiding tourists who line the rocks when the penguins arrive at dusk.

He advises tourists to avoid using flash when photographing the penguins and to check whether any are hiding beneath cars.

Although only a few little penguins live in his area, Fraser added that “they are a great help to penguin researchers and an important attraction for the small town on New Zealand's South Island.”

Jennylyn Gianan fam1@pcss.co.kr