Necropsy findings in yellow‐eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) from Otago, New Zealand

Abstract

Necropsy was performed on each of 124 yellow‐eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) opportunistically collected from eastern Otago, in New Zealand. A review of causes of death is presented, including 22% due to predation, 13% to starvation and in 18% no cause was recognised. A reference database of internal organ weights has been compiled. Anatomical comparisons, using similar material from blue penguins (Eudyptula minor), may reflect the deeper foraging levels of the yellow‐eyed penguin. There is also variation between the species in rates of internal parasitism and in the presence of gastroliths.

Keywords:

• New Zealand
• yellow‐eyed penguin
• Megadyptes antipodes
• blue penguin
• Eudyptula minor
• organ weights
• BMI
• nutrition
• gastrolith
• cause of death