PhD Student from Back to Natures Tours on a Mission to Save Endangered Yellow Eyed Penguins

Mel, a PhD student and now part-time tour guide at Back to Nature Tours, is currently studying New Zealand yellow-eyed penguins along the rugged East Otago Coast. The conservationist aims to analyse the data and help ensure this extremely rare species is here for future generations to witness.

The yellow-eyed penguins, otherwise known as the hoiho in Te Reo Maori, is quickly becoming endangered. With only under 5,000 penguins left in the wild, wildlife protectors like Mel and the Back to Nature Tours team are on the move to try and keep these creatures safe.

Mel is currently undergoing a study of these unique penguins in an effort to understand their movements at sea. Part of his work has involved attaching un-intrusive tracking devices to these unique creatures to collect data on their seafaring habits.

Four volunteers from BTNT, including managing director Chris Roberts, recently had the pleasure of helping Mel ‘gather’ one particular penguin to remove his tracking device. Within 5 minutes of laying in wait for their penguin friend “Bob”, he luckily appeared on the shore.  Their aquatic bird friend was quietly and quickly encircled, gently wrapped, and had his transmitter painlessly and safely removed.  

“These little guys need all the assistance they can get to help survive in this world,” said Chris. He urges that locals do their own part in wildlife preservation by doing simple things such as not littering, keeping pets under control, and respecting the flora and fauna in general. The BTNT team contribute 100 hours a year to various projects in the Dunedin, in particular the Sinclair Wetlands south of Dunedin.

If you want to witness the beauty of the rarest penguin in the world, talk to the team at Back to Nature Tours. They offer specialised Dunedin wildlife tours where you might encounter the yellow-eyed penguins, as well as fur seals, sea lions, exotic sea birds, and other wildlife native to New Zealand.

Back to Nature Tours is a Dunedin-based tour guide company offering local Dunedin tours and shore excursions to all the best Dunedin attractions. Their team of expert guides endeavour to ensure their activities have the least negative impact on the local floral and fauna.

Visit the website today to explore Dunedin or book a custom tour!