Biodiversity describes the variety of life on land, sea, and Earth. It also enables systems to support life which allows living things to survive! Aotearoa is home to a wide range of beautiful diverse environments. Our wetlands purify water and help prevent floods and droughts. Indigenous forests purify the air we breathe.

Marine Biodiversity is incredibly important to our island nation and it is marine biodiversity that is at risk, due to the impact of humans. Did you know that NZ is known for having one of the most unique environments in the world? This is easy to see on land with species like kiwi and weta. But marine biodiversity is no different! We have over 17,000 known species and more are being discovered all the time! Experts estimate that up to 85% of NZ wildlife could be in the ocean. 

( Source: Department of Conservation)

But all of these areas are under threat. Biological changes are being observed globally. Climate change is the biggest challenge we face, but other things cause threats to our beautiful marine life.

One example of how biodiversity impacts NZ native animals is Hoiho penguins. Hoiho penguins, also known as the yellow-eyed penguin, are one of the most recognizable native species. Hoiho penguins live up to 20 years old! ( That’s almost four times smaller than the average human! ) 

But human disturbances are putting these cute birds at risk of extinction!� Sadly, only 4000-5000 are left still alive! ( Source: Greenpeace )

Their survival is under threat by humans intruding on their territory/habitat and interrupting their nesting. There’s also the added pressure of commercial fishing operations: getting caught in nets, competing for food, and bottom trawling- an extremely destructive method of fishing that destroys everything in its way on the seafloor. 

The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust is a key organization that is working to preserve the Hoiho habitat. They also support the rehabilitation of injured or sick Hoiho penguins. The trust even works with organizations to support further conversation and awareness of these creatures. 

Since global warming and climate change may affect their food source, you can start a new diet and stop eating as much meat and eat more vegetables. You must also ride a bike because driving cars can release carbon dioxide causing global warming and climate change. 

Join the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust to support the cute penguins by pressing this Link.

Therefore, I conclude that we should protect the Hoiho penguins because we may never see them again with their distinctive band of pale yellow feathers if we continue to intrude on their habitat. 

If we don’t act now these small, irresistible cute penguins will disappear from eternity!� 

So I beg you, please protect the Hoiho penguins ( and all the other endangered animals )!