A yellow-eyed penguin nesting area along the Otago coast at Moeraki has received a makeover in preparation for this year's breeding season.

A Penguin Place staff member plus volunteers were out this week, checking on the nesting boxes created for the endangered species.

The area has been planted with native shrubs and trees in a bid to create a more natural environment for the nesting penguins.

In order to combat the mosquito-borne avian malaria, which killed 14 birds at Moeraki last year, 4 nearby dams have been breached.

Four ponds have also been treated with a biological control to fight the mosquitos.

Sheep are being used to keep the grass down, as long grass is thought to allow predators more chance of harming penguins and their chicks.

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