Meet Tess and her beloved cats, Sylvia (domestic short hair) and Sooty (domestic long hair), both adopted from a cat rescue in Wellington in 2018. Tess made the choice to keep them indoors from day one. “Safe at home, don’t let me roam” is the SPCA’s official advice: your indoor cat is more likely to … Continue reading Inside scoop: Q&A with an indoor cat owner
Kākāpō, kiwi, kokakō, kea and now 2023 Bird of the Year winner pūteketeke steal the show at home and globally with their feathery charms. Predator control in New Zealand is one of the ways we can bring these birds and many others back from the threat of extinction, but it also helps lots of other … Continue reading Beyond birds: 5 things that benefit from predator control
As part of our Predator Free Communities Programme, we have funded another 17 groups to amp up their efforts in looking after our wildlife. From Northland to Canterbury, these groups are removing introduced predators, bringing their communities closer together and giving our native species a chance. Groups funded by region Northland Auckland Bay of Plenty Waikato Manawatū-Whanganui … Continue reading Funding nature: a boost for backyard trapping
Here’s how farmers can dig into practices that make economic sense but also contribute to biodiversity. Many farmers are already tapping into innovative resources, actively sowing the seeds of positive change for on-farm biodiversity. Breaking ground together Expecting farmers to do it on their own simply won’t work. So, Farming with Native Biodiversity has undertaken … Continue reading Win-win: farming can help nature thrive and vice versa
We have women to thank for Abel Tasman National Park, takahē rediscovery and AI traps, yet often women are invisible in recorded history. Today, we shine a spotlight on some of the spectacular women who shaped – and continue to shape – conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Pre-colonial wisdom Due to the deep relationship between … Continue reading Yesterday, today and tomorrow: brilliant, badass women of conservation
Robins are one of our most charming daredevils, known for coming close to humans in the bush and even hopping onto boots while foraging for insects. But recently published research suggests our friendly and curious kakaruwai (South Island robin) might be losing their bold personalities in the presence of introduced predators. The boldness test Picture … Continue reading Are curious and friendly robins losing their personalities due to introduced predators?
Predator Free Apprentice Cam Maclean’s big OE looked slightly different from the classic Kiwi tradition. Instead of slinging pints in a UK pub or teaching English in Spain, Cam found himself building predator free fences in the Caribbean and caring for critically endangered birds on Aotearoa’s distant outpost. Islands in the sun Cam Maclean’s inaugural … Continue reading Island time: from the Caribbean to the Chathams
A ferret sniffing around petrel burrows and a gannet colony on the west coast of Auckland ignited a race against time to protect the seabirds. The local volunteers sprang into action, successfully intercepting the intruder before it could wipe out nests and chicks on the Muriwai Peninsula. Auckland Council volunteer trapper Michael Lawry was the … Continue reading Three chicks dead: teamwork catches Muriwai ferret
Incorporating predator free activities into your summer is fun and fulfilling, but don’t just take our word for it. Here are five ideas that will fit seamlessly into your quintessential Kiwi summer. BBQ small talk Any good summer in New Zealand is filled with family BBQs and endless bags of chips, but eventually you might … Continue reading Hatch a plan: 5 ways to kick off your predator free summer
An entirely subjective and contestable compilation of wonderful wildlife encounters in 2023 — all unfolding right in people’s gardens. Through the combined efforts of predator control, native planting, and responsible pet ownership, native species can safely visit and live within our shared spaces. Now, that’s cool. Tiny amphibians, Coromandel Sara Smerdon is living the ultimate … Continue reading 5 super cool backyard wildlife encounters of 2023
Archey’s frogs survived the comet that decimated the dinosaurs – but this walnut-sized pekeketua (frog) is close to extinction on our watch. Could rat control be its saving grace? A recent study published in the NZ Journal of Ecology has unveiled the promising impact of sustained rat control on Archey’s frogs, shedding light on their … Continue reading A glimmer of hope for Archey’s frog survival in Waikato
The holidays are nearly upon us. Don’t freak out. Our predator free-friendly gift guide is curated with thoughtful and eco-conscious ideas that bring joy to your loved ones and contribute to protecting New Zealand’s unique wildlife. DIY predator free kit Everything you need to get your friends and family started in predator control is in … Continue reading Predator free gift guide 2023
Large-scale, frequent and effective introduced predator control helped increase kākā density fourfold and improved the sex ratio. The study, published online in the New Zealand Journal of Ecology, monitored kākā in Pureora Forest Park, 45 km northwest of Taupō. Kākā numbers went from an estimated 640 birds in 2000 to an estimated 2,600 birds in … Continue reading 20 years of predator control quadrupled kākā population near Taupō
From boardrooms to the bush, from artists’ studios to the laboratories of scientists, from golf courses to community meeting halls, a diverse array of people have united under the common banner of preserving our precious wildlife. Artists When it comes to protecting the native and endemic wildlife of Aotearoa, a pen and a camera can … Continue reading The faces of the predator free movement
For nearly a decade, the Trust has been writing all things predator free from breakthrough science to the best baits to try. Have you read our most popular articles? 7 surprising facts you should know about possums At one point, possums in New Zealand rivalled the sheep population. Brought into New Zealand to start a … Continue reading 10 most-read articles of all time
Join us on a journey through time as we celebrate a decade of achievements with the Predator Free New Zealand Trust, from humble beginnings to conservation milestones. A group of passionate conservationists rallied behind the fact that our generation may be the last to save our unique native bird, bat and insect species before they’re … Continue reading Snapshots from the past: 10 years of the Predator Free New Zealand Trust
Research reveals participating in conservation community groups doesn’t just give back to nature; it gives back to you and your community. University of Auckland researchers Rosie Gerolemou, James Russell and Margaret Stanley conducted a study in Auckland delving into the dynamic between community group participation and social capital. They measured differences in self-identified social capital … Continue reading Chillest vibes: conservation group members are rich (in social capital)
That little line above certain vowels makes a big difference when it comes to the pronunciation and meaning of te reo Māori. Illustrator Matt Russell takes a closer look at why tohutō (macron) matter when it comes to te reo taiao (language of the environment). Enable macrons on your phone (Android and Apple) and computer … Continue reading Comic: macrons matter
Today marks a milestone as we grant an unprecedented $92,000 to support 23 remarkable predator free community initiatives. We select outstanding Predator Free Communities from around the country and give them funding to purchase trapping equipment. These backyard groups make up the heart and soul of the Predator Free 2050 mission. The funding will fuel … Continue reading Funding milestone ignites Predator Free Communities across Aotearoa
If we can understand how invasive species use different habitats, we can better predict how their populations might change due to climate change. In a published paper in Biological Invasions, Joanna Carpenter and colleagues looked at how food availability and temperature affected the distribution and density of ship rats in Aotearoa New Zealand forests. Spoiler … Continue reading Study reveals surprising insights on rat behaviour in NZ forests
A recent study has found high exposure rates of toxoplasmosis in a kiwi population that does not share its habitat with cats. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii or toxo), a parasite found primarily in cat poop, is a cause of sickness and even death in native wildlife. We’re talking kiwi, kākā, kererū and even Māui and … Continue reading Unseen threat: sanctuary kiwi exposed to parasitic disease from cat scat
Every trapper has felt the same frustration at checking a trap and finding the bait gone, but the trap still set. Who is the culprit, and how can you stop them? Peanut butter, mayonnaise, Nutella and dried meat are tasty treats to lure in rats or possums, but they aren’t the only ones who enjoy … Continue reading Is your bait disappearing, but you’re catching nothing?
Are you a pro at spotting tūī and kererū? Here are five more native backyard birds to get to know. Use appearance, sounds and behaviours as clues for identification. Taking note of the birds in your backyard is more than just fun. The Garden Bird Survey needs you to identify and count birds to help … Continue reading What bird is in my backyard?
More kinds of toroa (albatross) breed in Aotearoa New Zealand, than anywhere else in the world. Get to know them this World Albatross Day and try our quiz. Predator free islands in our subantarctic region stand as the last remaining strongholds for toroa survival worldwide. Their breeding grounds are safe thanks to massive predator eradication … Continue reading A tour of toroa
Recently several animal welfare, conservation organisations and government agencies submitted their thoughts on national cat management. It may be surprising that there was a lot of agreement – here’s what they had to say. Parliament’s Environment Select Committee asked the organisations to share their views on the Petition of Erica Rowlands, requesting the mandatory registration … Continue reading Animal welfare agencies’ views on cat management
Stuff them in a roll or slap them on a piece of white bread; sausages are a Kiwi classic. Stoats and feral cats have a taste for them too. In a recent trial, researchers investigated whether these introduced predators would find and eat sausage bait, and also if native species would also be attracted to … Continue reading Sausages on the menu: trials target feral cats and stoats
If you’re looking for a new feathery friend to obsess over, then look no further than the tīeke (saddleback). There’s more to them than striking black feathers, a chestnut saddle and ruby-red wattles. Here are five reasons this bird deserves a spot in your heart, in no particular order. 1. They are the ultimate underdogs … Continue reading 5 reasons the tīeke should be your favourite bird
Described as “murderous saveloys with legs”, new research reveals weasels cannot be underestimated as a threat to native wildlife. It is suggested we pay closer attention to the recovery of native species rather than simply counting the number of predators killed. The impact of stoats is well documented, but DOC ranger Jamie McAulay and wildlife … Continue reading Bird count not body count: weasel study suggests recovery of native species more important than predator kill count
It’s Easter, and supermarkets are jam-packed with chocolate eggs. The association of these symbols of new life with Easter is imported from the northern hemisphere – most of our native species have already finished their egg-laying business as winter approaches. As you crack into yet another chocolate egg this long weekend, spare a thought for … Continue reading Quiz: Guess the egg…
Communities from cyclone-hit areas will receive funding to rebuild their predator control efforts in our latest round of funding. A slice of $50,000 is on the way to 13 community groups as the grassroots predator control movement grows. Special mention goes out to those communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Amid the chaos, destruction and repairs, … Continue reading Communities unite to rebuild predator control efforts after cyclone
Muggy, boggy and waiting to be drained – our past opinions on wetlands have not aged well. Wetland restoration could be vital to tackling biodiversity and climate change crises – here’s why. Quantifying the benefits of wetland restoration Humans drained 90% of New Zealand’s wetlands in the name of prosperity, progress and pasture – not … Continue reading What if there were giant sponges that could mop up carbon, floods, and house native species?
As climate change and introduced mammals push native birds into higher mountain forests researchers at Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research wondered if there was enough food to survive and breed. As Dr Anne Schlesselmann et al. explains in this Journal of Ecology research paper, the answer is complicated and more research needs to be done. … Continue reading As native birds flee to high ground to escape predators, will they have enough food to survive?
As birds lose their old feathers to make way for new healthy ones, they are stressed, vulnerable and grumpy. What can you do about it? Plenty. Imagine having to change your clothes in public, at the park, the bush or the beach. Then imagine it taking a few days, even weeks, to entirely change your … Continue reading Naked & Afraid: help birds during moulting season
From possum nightclubs to garden transformations, these were the most popular stories published by Predator Free New Zealand Trust this year. 1. It’s business time: stoat mating mania and what you can do about it “From the moment they open their eyes as babies, female stoats are almost certainly already pregnant.” That’s an opening line … Continue reading Most read posts of 2022
We present a completely subjective, non-exhaustive, contestable list of the top backyard wildlife encounters of 2022. Predator control, responsible pet ownership and native planting are vital ingredients in turning your patch of land, no matter the size, into a place that birds, bugs and lizards want to visit – on their terms. Feeding animals, getting … Continue reading Top backyard wildlife encounters of 2022
Gift inspiration for buying for yourself or the wildlife lover in your life. Not just nature-themed, many of these present ideas give back to conservation too, which means you’ll surely end up on Santa’s nice list. Predator Free New Zealand cap Pick up the peak of fashion with our newly released cap to keep the … Continue reading Seasons tweetings: give a nature-friendly gift this year
Two years ago, Finn Giddy was working his first serious job out of high school digging trenches, unsure of his career prospects. Now, he’s the first graduate of the predator free apprenticeship programme – and his career is off to a roaring start. Reflecting on the journey that brought him to his dream career working … Continue reading First-class: predator free apprentice graduate becomes second-in-command
Spare a little love for spiders. Supposedly scary but mostly misunderstood, these eight-legged creatures are vital to nature. There are more than 2000 species of pūngāwerewere (spider) in Aotearoa New Zealand, and most of them are endemic (i.e. as unique as the kiwi and kākāpō). Look beyond their spooky reputation: here are five reasons why … Continue reading Not creepy, just crawly: spiders are cooler than you think
Like many of us, Māia Gibbs grew up never having seen a kiwi in the wild. Now, she gets up close and personal while helping save the kiwi as a Predator Free NZ Trust apprentice. Holding a fluffy, pear-shaped ball of feathers with strong talons Māia, 21, is living the dream of many in a … Continue reading Kiwi calling: Predator Free NZ Trust apprentice Māia Gibbs at home on the range
Restoring native wildlife to urban areas is gaining momentum. Another 13 community groups across the motu (country) will receive a portion of $50,000 to realise their trapping dreams. The Predator Free New Zealand Trust helps outstanding predator free communities buy bait stations, chew cards, and traps and to spread the word in their communities. Over … Continue reading Funding awarded to bring birds and bugs back to backyards
Part 2 of our series Cat catastrope: Why are we behind Australia in managing cats? Curfews, leash walking, registration, and desexing. These are just some of the ways Australia is addressing domestic cat management and getting further ahead of Aotearoa New Zealand in protecting their threatened native species. In part two of this three-part series, … Continue reading Cat catastrophe: Managing our feline companions
In Aotearoa New Zealand Māori are ‘tangata whenua’ – people of the land. This reflects the importance of te taiao (the environment) to Māori identity, culture, and tikanga. Te reo Māori is shaped by the unique environment and wildlife. There is a depth of meaning to te reo Māori words. Often a one or two-word … Continue reading Why kākāpō are called kākāpō and other wildlife names
When it comes to protecting nature, these five rangatahi “understood the assignment”. There’s a question mark hanging over their future ability to enjoy wildlife and wild places in Aotearoa New Zealand, but these rangatahi have taken conservation into their own hands. 1. Finn Giddy – trapper and hunter Finn is combining his love of hunting … Continue reading Bright future: 5 rangatahi shaping conservation
