Dr. Herman Mays, professor of biological sciences, recently co-authored a new publication examining the population structure of three crested penguin species in New Zealand.
The research offers important insights for conservation: tawaki penguins appear stable and genetically diverse, while erect-crested penguins are divided into two distinct populations—those from the Antipodes Islands and those from the Bounty Islands. In contrast, eastern rockhopper penguins in the Antipodes Islands show signs of population decline, with high coancestry and limited genetic diversity.
These findings highlight both resilience and vulnerability among New Zealand’s penguins and will help guide future conservation efforts.
Read the full study in PLOS ONE: Population structure of crested penguins in New Zealand.