Habitat and monitoring resources
On this page you’ll find resources for standardised monitoring protocols and kororā nest box designs and placement.
Explore the resources below.
Monitoring resources
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Monitoring protocols
These protocols provide the guiding methodology for kororā monitoring in Aotearoa and include best practice guidelines for microchipping kororā, as recognised by DOC.
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Cheat sheets
A set of simplified field guides or ‘cheat sheets’ providing a quick overview of the kororā monitoring protocols for Tier 1, Tier 3 and Tier 4 methods.
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Health and safety
Penguin monitoring hazard information and health and safety considerations for penguin related field work.
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Nest box placement
Nest box placement guidelines to help ensure your nest boxes are positioned safely and have the best chance of being used by kororā.
Nest box design and placement
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Standard
Standard kororā nestbox with external tunnel has been used extensively throughout Aotearoa for monitoring. The standard type of wood to be used is tanalised, rough-sawn timber which lasts for decades. This type of wood can be replaced with plywood (although not recommended due to shorter lifespan) which can be a good temporary replacement for a damaged box and also easier for school groups or children to make.
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Side tunnel
This kororā nestbox has been adapted by the West Coast Penguin Trust from the standard design to include a side tunnel. This is used to help deter unwanted species such as Weka or rodents from entering and still allows the kororā to be safe from predators. This type of nestbox is easy to transport and aids in ensuring kororā are not easily visible to humans with the lid that half opens at the back of the box.
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Tamper-proof
These adapted standard nestbox designs are great to use in places where human interference is a risk to disturbance of kororā with a tamper-proof lid to prevent unwanted opening and internal tunnel so kororā aren’t easily visible to humans. The internal tunnel option is similar to the West Coast Penguin Trust adaptation and is also great for deterring predators. With durable, tanalised wood, these designs will last a long time in the field.