Species: Yellow-eyed penguin, hoiho (Megadyptes antipodes)
Location: New Zealand
Status: Endemic native species, endangered
Yellow-eyed penguins are endangered and declining on mainland New Zealand. However, little was known about the southern population which breeds on remote Sub-Antarctic islands, as the isolated and inhospitable conditions make research extremely difficult in the area.
The researcher utilised Altitude Conservation’s Multi-Track Drone Ranger system to quickly and accurately locate nests hidden in thick vegetation. This time-saving allowed other research to commence, including monitoring breeding, tracking diving and foraging, and the first population estimate in 30 years – highlighting the usefulness of new technology for solving tricky conservation problems, and collecting important data.
