What type of terrestrial setting do Hoiho prefer for their secluded breeding sites, differentiating them from many other penguins?
Answer
Coastal scrub or forest patches.
The Yellow-eyed Penguin requires specific types of terrestrial cover for successful breeding due to its preference for secluded nesting habits. They specifically favor nesting sites located within coastal scrub areas or patches of forest, rather than open habitats. This need for vegetative cover limits where they can breed successfully and makes the preservation of mature coastal vegetation a constant management priority in known areas. This contrasts with species that utilize more open ground and is a key factor in understanding habitat requirements.

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