Behavioural consequences of human disturbance on subantarctic Yellow-eyed Penguins Megadyptes antipodes

Human disturbance significantly impacts the behavior of subantarctic Yellow-eyed Penguins (Megadyptes antipodes), reducing their likelihood of successful transit to or from nests and altering their activity patterns. Research on Enderby Island, part of New Zealand's UNESCO-listed Auckland Islands group, revealed that current tourism guidelines—requiring a minimum 5-meter approach distance—are insufficient to prevent disturbance. The study used controlled approaches and tourist monitoring to document penguin movement and behavior, modeling effective approach distances to predict disturbance probabilities. Findings suggest revising guidelines to better protect this endangered species, with broader implications for wildlife management worldwide.

FRENCH, R. K., MULLER, C. G., CHILVERS, B. L., & BATTLEY, P. F. (2018). Behavioural consequences of human disturbance on subantarctic Yellow-eyed Penguins Megadyptes antipodes. Bird Conservation International, 29(2), 277–290. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0959270918000096