The Yellow-eyed Penguin is endangered -- thanks in no small part to this creature, a member of the weasel family. We occasionally caught glimpses of them roadside, so they are unfortunately very common. They were introduced intentionally to control the introduced rabbit population. But they found easier prey: the eggs and young of native birds (especially kiwis & penguins) & native reptiles. Native animals did not evolve in the presence of such predators, & so they don't have effective defenses against them.

Anyway, the hand belongs to a Dept of Conservation employee who is here to guard the penguins at this site. In addition to making sure they make their way ashore safely every evening, he sets traps for the stoats around the nesting area.