Near-shore distribution and seasonal abundance of White-flippered Penguins ( Eudyptula minor albosignata ) at Banks Peninsula, New Zealand | Notornis and Birds New Zealand

[摘要] Knowledge of the abundance of White-flippered Penguins and on the distribution of penguins without attached instruments at sea in general is scarce. Sightings of individual penguins in the neritic waters of southern Banks Peninsula were recorded between November 1993 and March 1997 to document their near-shore distribution and changes in seasonal abundance. White-flippered Penguins were not evenly distributed but appeared to concentrate in several bays. Abundance in Akaroa Harbour, the largest bay in the study area, peaked in April and November after recorded lows in March and September (probably due to moult and incubation), respectively.

[学科分类] 动物科学

[关键词] abundance;Blue Penguin;distribution at sea;Eudyptula minor albosignata;New Zealand