People in a field smiling next to freshly planted natives and holding trapping boxes.

Chillest vibes: conservation group members are rich (in social capital)

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)

Volunteers standing in Whitby with traps and plants.

Funding milestone ignites Predator Free Communities across Aotearoa

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

A rat in Fiordland surrounded by measuring tools.

Study reveals surprising insights on rat behaviour in NZ forests

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

Little spotted kiwi

Unseen threat: sanctuary kiwi exposed to parasitic disease from cat scat

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

A collage of toroa (albatross)

A tour of toroa

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

Animal welfare agencies’ views on cat management 

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 

Weasel with a blackbird.

Bird count not body count: weasel study suggests recovery of native species more important than predator kill count

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

A collection of wooden trap tunnels with Predator Free Muriwai stencilled on the back.

Communities unite to rebuild predator control efforts after cyclone

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

A landscape shot of a wetland.

What if there were giant sponges that could mop up carbon, floods, and house native species?

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?

A small rifleman perched on a branch.

As native birds flee to high ground to escape predators, will they have enough food to survive?

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?

Finn leaning against a truck.

First-class: predator free apprentice graduate becomes second-in-command

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

A spider in a web with hearts around it.

Not creepy, just crawly: spiders are cooler than you think

This Halloween, spare a little love for symbols of the spooky season: 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 … Continue reading Not creepy, just crawly: spiders are cooler than you think

Māia crouched inspecting a trap with mountain landscape in background.

Kiwi calling: Predator Free NZ Trust apprentice Māia Gibbs at home on the range

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

Two kererū perched in a tree.

Funding awarded to bring birds and bugs back to backyards

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

A kākāpo

Why kākāpō are called kākāpō and other wildlife names

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