Rare Yellow-Eyed Penguin Wins New Zealand's Bird of the Year, Sparking Calls for Urgent Conservation

A rare and shy yellow-eyed penguin, known as the hoiho, has claimed victory in one of New Zealand's most hotly contested and beloved wildlife events: the Bird of the Year competition. The annual poll, organized by Forest & Bird, saw over 50,000 people cast their votes, with the endangered hoiho securing the top spot for the second time, receiving 6,328 votes. It narrowly beat the Chatham Island black robin, or Karure, which finished with just over 5,000 votes.

This year's win marks a critical moment for the hoiho, which faces a high risk of extinction. Conservationists hope that the penguin's newfound popularity will translate into increased efforts to protect the species, both on land and at sea.

A Symbol of New Zealand's Unique Wildlife

The hoiho, whose Maori name means "noise shouter", is one of the world's rarest penguin species and can only be found in New Zealand, specifically along the southeastern coast of the South Island and on some sub-Antarctic islands. Despite its vocal nature, the hoiho is known for being incredibly shy. It is recognizable by its striking yellow eyes and headband-like yellow feathers that circle its head.

While the species may be iconic, its numbers have drastically declined in recent years. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the hoiho is classified as endangered, making it just three steps away from extinction. With fewer than 4,000 individuals left, the hoiho faces significant challenges from human activity and environmental changes.

A Competition Known for Its Drama

New Zealand's Bird of the Year competition has a reputation for being far from a simple popularity contest. Over the years, it has been embroiled in multiple controversies, ranging from claims of foreign interference to vote rigging.

This is the second time the hoiho has won the title, having first claimed victory in 2019. However, that win was tainted by allegations of interference from Russian voters. Hundreds of votes for the penguin were found to have originated from Russia, but Forest & Bird officials explained that the votes likely came from Russian ornithologists rather than fraudulent voters. In 2018, the competition faced similar accusations when Australians allegedly tried to swing the contest in favor of the shag, a species of cormorant.

The contest has even attracted international celebrities. In 2023, British comedian John Oliver threw his support behind the pūteketeke, also known as the great-crested grebe, dressing up as the bird in a campaign that involved a fiery orange mullet.

A Call for Conservation

While the win brought attention to the hoiho, Forest & Bird's chief executive Nicola Toki highlighted the penguin's dire situation. "This spotlight couldn't have come at a better time," said Toki. "This iconic penguin is disappearing from mainland Aotearoa (New Zealand) before our eyes."

The key threats to the species are human-driven. Fishing nets pose a major danger to hoiho populations, with many drowning after becoming trapped in set nets. The penguins also struggle to find enough food, with changes in marine ecosystems making it harder to survive.

Although land-based conservation efforts are ongoing, Toki emphasized that the species' survival depends on protecting its marine habitat. "Our hoiho urgently need marine protected areas to give them a shot at survival," she explained. Without drastic changes, the hoiho could continue to decline, slipping closer to extinction.

A Spotlight on New Zealand's Wildlife

The Bird of the Year competition is more than just a playful event - it serves as a platform to raise awareness about New Zealand's native species and the challenges they face. By highlighting the plight of the hoiho, conservationists hope to rally public and political support for stronger environmental protections.

In a country known for its rich biodiversity, the hoiho stands as a symbol of the fragility of New Zealand's natural world. With its victory in this year's competition, the penguin has once again captured the nation's attention, reminding people that urgent action is needed to ensure the survival of this remarkable species.