Curious about how the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, or hoiho, which means ‘noisy screamer’, won New Zealand’s Bird of the Year award? The win gives advocates for the endangered bird hope that the recognition it receives could help the species recover.
A Victory for the Hoiho: New Zealand’s Endangered Penguin Takes the Spotlight
In a nation where nature is deeply revered, New Zealand’s Bird of the Year competition is more than just a whimsical contest—it’s a platform to spotlight the country’s unique and often endangered avian species. This year, the title went to a bird that is as intriguing as it is endangered: the hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin. Known for its noisy demeanor and distinct fishy smell, the hoiho has captured the hearts of many, emerging victorious in a competition that’s become as fiercely contested as any national election.
The Hoiho: A Unique and Endangered Species
The hoiho, which translates to “noise shouter” in Māori, is one of the world’s rarest penguins. These penguins are distinctive not only for their loud calls but also for the pale yellow band of feathers that stretches across their eyes, giving them a somewhat regal appearance. However, beneath this striking exterior lies a species in crisis.
Native to New Zealand, the hoiho primarily inhabits the southeastern coastline of the South Island and the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands. These penguins prefer secluded spots in coastal forests, dense flax, or scrub, away from human activity. Unfortunately, the hoiho’s preference for privacy, combined with various environmental pressures, has led to a dramatic decline in their population. Current estimates suggest that there are only about 4,000 to 5,000 hoiho left in the wild, a number that is steadily decreasing.
A Competition Rooted in Conservation
New Zealand’s Bird of the Year competition, run annually by the environmental organization Forest & Bird, is more than just a lighthearted event—it’s a critical tool for raising awareness about the country’s native birds, many of which are facing the threat of extinction. Since its inception in 2005, the contest has shone a spotlight on species that might otherwise be overlooked, drawing attention to the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Over the years, the competition has seen its fair share of drama, from accusations of vote-rigging to claims of international interference. However, this year’s contest was relatively scandal-free, allowing the focus to remain on the birds themselves.
The Campaign: From Meme Wars to Celebrity Endorsements
The hoiho’s victory in the 2024 Bird of the Year competition was the result of a passionate and well-coordinated campaign. Unlike previous years, where international celebrities and online influencers played a significant role, this year’s campaign was distinctly homegrown. A coalition of wildlife groups, a museum, a brewery, and even a local rugby team in Dunedin joined forces to rally support for the hoiho.
Campaigners employed a variety of tactics to drum up votes. Meme wars—humorous, often absurd social media battles—became a popular way to engage the public, with supporters of different birds creating and sharing content to sway undecided voters. Some of the more dedicated hoiho enthusiasts even went as far as getting tattoos to demonstrate their loyalty, proving that the competition was not just a matter of clicks, but of deep personal commitment.
Despite the drop in overall voter turnout compared to the previous year, when comedian John Oliver’s humorous campaign for the pūteketeke (another rare bird with quirky habits) attracted over 350,000 votes, the hoiho managed to secure a solid victory with 6,328 votes. The campaign also received endorsements from notable figures such as conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, television host Phil Keoghan, and former New Zealand prime ministers Helen Clark and Chris Hipkins, lending further weight to its cause.
The Hoiho’s Struggle for Survival
The win couldn’t have come at a more critical time for the hoiho. Over the last 15 years, the number of mainland breeding hoiho has plummeted by 78%, with an alarming 18% drop in just the last year alone. The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust, along with other conservation organizations, has been sounding the alarm about the species’ decline, urging immediate action to protect these vulnerable birds.
Several factors contribute to the hoiho’s precarious situation. Habitat destruction, climate change, and human encroachment have all played a role in reducing the areas where these penguins can safely breed and find food. Additionally, hoiho are particularly susceptible to diseases, dog attacks, and predation from introduced pests like stoats and cats.
One of the more peculiar threats to the hoiho is its own distinctive smell. The penguin’s fishy odor, a result of its diet and natural oils, is irresistible to dogs, which can detect the scent from a distance. This makes hoiho particularly vulnerable to dog attacks, a problem that has escalated in recent years as more people and their pets encroach on the birds’ natural habitats.
Another significant threat is bycatch—hoiho often get caught in set nets, which are used by fishers and anchored to the seafloor. These nets can be deadly for the penguins, leading to drowning and further reducing their already dwindling numbers. Conservationists have long called for the establishment of marine protected areas around hoiho breeding grounds, a measure they believe is crucial for the species’ survival.
A History of Controversy and Conservation
While the 2024 competition was relatively calm, previous years have seen a fair share of controversy. In 2021, the contest made headlines when a bat was crowned Bird of the Year, sparking debate about the very definition of the competition. In 2019, there were accusations of Russian interference, and in 2018, Australians were suspected of attempting to rig the contest in favor of the shag, a seabird native to both countries.
These scandals, while sometimes amusing, highlight the intense passion that New Zealanders—and bird lovers worldwide—have for this competition. They also underscore the importance of the event as a platform for raising awareness about the challenges facing native species. Each year, the competition helps to shine a light on the plight of New Zealand’s birds, many of which are on the brink of extinction due to human activity, habitat loss, and introduced predators.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for the Hoiho?
With its win as Bird of the Year, the hoiho has once again captured the public’s attention, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Conservationists hope that this recognition will translate into concrete actions to protect the species. More marine protected areas, stricter regulations on set nets, and increased efforts to control pests are all measures that could help stabilize the hoiho population.
Education and awareness are also critical. By educating the public about the importance of keeping dogs away from hoiho habitats and the need to support conservation efforts, there is hope that these birds can be saved from the brink of extinction.
The success of the Bird of the Year competition in raising awareness about endangered species cannot be overstated. Each vote cast is a statement of support for New Zealand’s unique wildlife and a call to action for their protection. As the hoiho takes its place as a two-time winner of this prestigious title, it serves as a reminder that conservation is not just about preserving the past, but about securing a future where these incredible creatures continue to thrive.
Conclusion: A Win for Conservation and the Hoiho
The hoiho’s victory in New Zealand’s Bird of the Year competition is more than just a title—it’s a symbol of the ongoing battle to protect one of the world’s most endangered penguins. In a year free from the controversies that have marred past competitions, the focus has rightly been on the birds themselves and the urgent need to safeguard their future.
As the hoiho enjoys its moment in the spotlight, the hope is that this recognition will lead to renewed efforts to preserve its habitat, protect it from predators, and ensure that future generations of New Zealanders can continue to admire this remarkable bird. The Bird of the Year competition has once again shown that when it comes to conservation, every vote—and every effort—counts.
