Besides the Catlins coast, which New Zealand region is identified as a primary mainland stronghold for the Hoiho population?
Answer
Otago
The distribution of the Yellow-eyed Penguin on the South Island mainland is patchy, but specific regions are recognized as strongholds where populations are concentrated. In addition to the critical habitat corridor found along the Catlins coast, the Otago region is named as another area possessing significant populations. This area includes the famous Otago Peninsula, which hosts a major nesting site around Taiaroa Head. These two regions—Otago and Catlins—form the core areas of terrestrial presence for the species on the South Island mainland, south of Banks Peninsula.

Related Questions
What is the Māori name used to refer to the Yellow-eyed Penguin?Which New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands host the most stable Yellow-eyed Penguin populations?How does the nesting behavior of Hoiho contrast with Adelie or Chinstrap penguins?Where on the South Island is Taiaroa Head, a famous managed viewing location for Hoiho?What is the minimum distance the DOC strongly advises keeping between observers and Hoiho on the beach or in the water?Which time of day offers the highest probability of observing Hoiho returning ashore from foraging at sea?What specific introduced mammals pose a threat to the Yellow-eyed Penguin populations?What type of terrestrial setting do Hoiho prefer for their secluded breeding sites, differentiating them from many other penguins?Besides the Catlins coast, which New Zealand region is identified as a primary mainland stronghold for the Hoiho population?Which data aggregation platform documents recent distribution hotspots through citizen science reports for Hoiho sightings?