What is the minimum distance the DOC strongly advises keeping between observers and Hoiho on the beach or in the water?
Answer
20 meters
Adherence to strict distance protocols is paramount for ethical observation of the threatened and shy Yellow-eyed Penguin. The Department of Conservation (DOC) specifically mandates that observers must maintain a minimum distance of 20 meters away from the birds when they are present on the beach or actively in the water. This rule is enforced to prevent causing stress to the birds, which could lead to nest abandonment or other disturbances. This mandated separation distance is usually pre-established at viewing platforms, such as those utilized on the Otago 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?