Tawaki Project takes a comprehensive look at New Zealand penguin populations w/ project co-leader Dr Thomas Mattern: September 2, 2025

The Tawaki Project based at the University of Otago and driven by the mahi of international researchers, has taken a deep-dive into the population genetics of three Aotearoa crested penguin species – tawaki/Fiordland penguins, erect-crested penguins, and Eastern rockhopper penguins. Findings reveal how genetic health and marine habitat changes have impacted these species. For this week’s Green Desk, Host Sara spoke with co-leader of the project, Dr Thomas Mattern about what the study learned about these penguin populations, starting with a general overview of the research