Technical Advisory Group

This group of penguin experts and interested individuals provide advice to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. Since the colony began there have been a number of experts involved in work at the colony and this formal group gives them the opportunity to meet with our marine biologist regularly. Issues that may require their assistance and knowledge include how to deal with various predators or what would be the best vegetation to plant to keep the environment as natural as possible.

Staff Scientist

We have our own resident marine biologist, Philippa Agnew, who carries out scientific work in the colony. Philippa is beginning to analyse data that has been collected in Oamaru and make interesting comparisons. Once she has some results to publish we shall put them on the website.

Below are some papers that have been published by scientists about the blue penguins in Oamaru.

Fraser, M. & Lalas, C. 2004. Seasonal variation in the diet of blue penguins (Eudyptula minor) at Oamaru, New Zealand. Notornis 51 (1): 7-15.

Hocken, A. 2000. Cause of death in blue penguins (Eudyptula m. minor) in North Otago, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 27: 305-309.

Johannesen, E., Houston, D & Russell, J. 2003. Increased survival and breeding performance of double breeders in little penguins Eudyptula minor, New Zealand: evidence for individual bird quality? Journal of Avian Biology 34: 198-210.

Miyazaki, M. & Waas, J. 2005. Effects of male call pitch on female behaviour and mate fidelity in little penguins. Journal of Ethology 23 (2): 167.

Numata, M., Davis, L. & Renner, M. 2000. Prolonged foraging trips and egg desertion in little penguins (Eudyptula minor). New Zealand Journal of Zoology 27: 277-289.