The first chick of what is predicted to be a challenging breeding season was hatched at the Northern Royal Albatross Colony on the Otago Peninsula yesterday.
Summer heat during January and February is expected to pose problems for the nesting adults and young chicks.
Dunedin City Council operations manager Annie Wallace said the El Nino conditions would increase the likelihood of overheating.
"We are pleased to welcome the first chick this year. This is likely to be a particularly challenging season given the El Nino conditions we are experiencing. The lower rainfall and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of birds overheating on the nest."
Overheating, as well as fly strike, were both potential causes of death.
DOC rangers will work long hours in the coming weeks, checking the chicks several times a day, ensuring fly strike is avoided and the chicks are fed during their first 48 hours.
Otago Peninsula Trust general manager Robyn McDonald said a Givealittle page had been set up to held fund the extra costs associated with the added heat.
"There are concerns about the forecast hot summer and the effect it has on albatross chicks," she said.
"The Trust, which runs the Royal Albatross Centre, works closely with the Department of Conservation [DOC], which manages the albatross colony reserve.
"All the extra work involved with looking after albatross in hot weather also puts pressure on the Trust.
"So the Trust has set up a Givealittle fundraiser to help with extra costs such as trucking in water for the colony's sprinkler system to keep albatross and chicks cool on blistering hot days."
The colony, which is home to around 220 albatross, has 30 nests this season, with 29 being fertile. Since September last year, 125 albatross have been spotted.
The last breeding season was the second most successful on record, with 26 chicks raised.
