A collaboration between the Western Bay Wildlife Trust and the Mauao Trust spells hope for the future of one of the Mount Maunganui kororā, little penguin, colonies.
“Kororā everywhere are declining rapidly unless heavily managed and protected,” said WBWT spokesperson and trustee Julia Graham.
“Thirteen years ago, the community united to help the kororā of Mount Maunganui through the Rena oil spill – but the issues they face from rising sea levels, climate change, warmer oceans, less food, habitat destruction and threats from pests are day-to-day problems in their lives.
“The sheer number of constant back-to-back threats can be devastating to seabird colonies.”
Graham said stress also plays a big factor. “Stress burns calories. If a bird is already hungry and struggling to find food then comes onto land at night and has to run and hide from humans and pests or climb higher to find a suitable burrow after theirs washes away. That burns calories and could mean life or death to an already struggling penguin.”
By taking the stress out of their nesting areas and providing safe environments for them on land is something Graham said humans can do easily and it can be a huge benefit to the birds in times of hardship. “They need our help more than ever,” she said.
WBWT recently joined more than 30 organisations around the country in a pledge to ‘Turn Back the Red’ on their chosen species. This means the trust is more committed than ever to seeing the Mauao population of kororā stabilised and increasing.
“With support from the World Wild Fund for Nature NZ and the Tindall Foundation, the collaboration aims to provide alternative nesting opportunities, habitat improvement and regular monitoring by WBWT and Mauao Katikati, alongside educating the public around kororā.”
WWF Conservation Impact advisor Carolyn Aguilar said the WWF is thrilled to support the WBWT in their fantastic work for kororā. “Facing so many big threats, these little penguins need our help and it is great seeing community groups and youth come together to give them new homes.”
Graham said none of what they do would be possible without support of the community and the organisations involved with caring for the maunga, including iwi and TCC Mauao ranger Josh Clarke.
WBWT is also working with Mount Maunganui College innovation and technology students to assist with designing alternative nesting options. “These kids are our next scientists and conservationists,” said Graham.
“Fostering a passion and commitment to protecting our environment in today’s youths is important if we are to see the sustainability and continuation of work being put in now.”
- SunLive