Endangered hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, claims New Zealand's Bird of the Year crown

[KeyboardKitty]

 

The hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, has once again captured New Zealand's heart, claiming the title of Bird of the Year for 2024. This marks the shy penguin's second victory, following its initial win in 2019. The annual competition, organized by Forest & Bird, serves as a platform to raise awareness about New Zealand's native birds and their conservation challenges.

Known for its distinctive pale yellow eyes and reserved nature, the hoiho is one of the world's rarest penguins. Found primarily on New Zealand's South and Chatham Islands, as well as the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands, this unique bird faces significant threats. Over the past 15 years, hoiho populations have plummeted by 78%, with an alarming 18% decline in the last year alone. Predation by introduced species, diseases, and habitat destruction continue to pose serious challenges despite ongoing conservation efforts.

 

The 2024 competition saw over 50,000 votes cast, representing about 1% of New Zealand's population. The hoiho's campaign garnered high-profile endorsements from figures such as conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark, and Labour leader Chris Hipkins, contributing to its victory.

 

Social media was instrumental in driving the competition, with participants using memes, celebrity endorsements, and even tattoos to rally support for their favorite birds. This creative approach has proven effective in engaging younger generations and spreading awareness about endangered species.

In contrast to the 2024 event, the previous year's competition stirred controversy when British comedian John Oliver launched a humorous campaign for the pūteketeke (Australasian crested grebe). Oliver's efforts, which included billboards in Paris and Tokyo, led to a landslide victory for the pūteketeke but also drew accusations of foreign interference. Although Oliver's campaign was met with mixed reactions, it ultimately had a positive impact, resulting in increased publicity and record-breaking donations. Forest & Bird, the competition's organizer, received $600,000 in donations —six times higher than their previous record. This year's competition, however, was free from such high-profile interventions, allowing the hoiho to claim its victory fair and square.

 

The hoiho's triumph serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing New Zealand's native wildlife. By combining conservation efforts with creative public engagement, initiatives like this competition continue to inspire action and support for vulnerable species, offering hope for the future of the hoiho and its feathered friends.

 

• https://apnews.com/article/bird-zealand-hoiho-yellow-eyed-penguin-robin-bb22c610345daffb4de24aad4a4db7b5
• https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/new-zealand-penguin-bird-of-the-year-hoiho-b2613457.html
• https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/alert-top/528085/bird-of-the-year-hoiho-yellow-eyed-penguin-named-2024-winner

 

Image:  Luke Sergent | Dreamstime.com