When you remove predators from islands and restore forest habitat, the expectation is that native forest birds will flourish and that the new ‘improved’ conditions may favour native birds over introduced species. But is that what happens Researchers John Ralph, Carol Ralph and Linda Long looked … [Read more...] about Tūī numbers treble in predator control study
Underground giant glows in the dark but is rarely seen
Aucklanders, next time you go for a walk in the forest, spare a thought for what might be living just below your feet… For instance, there’s a giant earthworm that grows to over 1 metre long and glows in the dark. It’s the stuff of science fiction – but it’s real! It’s commonly known as the North … [Read more...] about Underground giant glows in the dark but is rarely seen
Blue Mountains study shows 1080 effective – even for hedgehogs, mice
In the past there’s been some uncertainty over the effectiveness of large-scale aerial 1080 operations to control mice and little is known about its effect on hedgehogs. Recent trail camera monitoring of mammal predators before and after a control operation in the Blue Mountains, West Otago, … [Read more...] about Blue Mountains study shows 1080 effective – even for hedgehogs, mice
Native bats may have fern dispersal role
University of Auckland researchers, James Brock and Kathleen Collier, have discovered yet another reason why we really should appreciate our native bat species. It seems short-tailed bats have a role to play in spreading fern spores throughout the forest, helping the spores to spread a greater … [Read more...] about Native bats may have fern dispersal role
Dave Edwards aims to make Sentinel possum traps more user friendly
Traps need a powerful spring mechanism to kill humanely and that can make them difficult and a bit daunting to set, especially traps designed for larger pests and predators like possums and ferrets. Dave Edwards is a retired engineer, long-time community trapper (for Bay of Plenty kiwi and kōkako … [Read more...] about Dave Edwards aims to make Sentinel possum traps more user friendly
Catching feral cats on camera
Feral cats are nocturnal, elusive creatures and can cover a lot of ground. They can range up to 6 kilometres, making monitoring difficult. So how do you go about detecting them? Camera trap monitoring reveals a feral cat... Camera traps are a useful, non-invasive way to determine whether … [Read more...] about Catching feral cats on camera
Ancient totara dune forest becomes new Southland reserve
In the far south of the South Island, in Otatara, Southland, there is a totara dune forest where ancient trees bend and twist and brace themselves against the prevailing winds. Sculpted by the winds, they grow in unusual shapes on the higher parts of the dry sand dunes. Windblown totara trees … [Read more...] about Ancient totara dune forest becomes new Southland reserve
Study compares beetle and wētā responses to mammal eradication
Wētā are one of our most studied insects and are regarded as ‘bioindicators’ of the health of forest ecosystems. So when introduced predators – including mice – were removed from Maungatautari, the response of the local wētā population was followed closely by researchers. Female Auckland tree … [Read more...] about Study compares beetle and wētā responses to mammal eradication
No easy answers, but eradication efforts ongoing for Resolution Island
When the Resolution Island Stoat Eradication Programme began in Dusky Sound, Fiordland in 2008 no-one said it would be easy and, 12 years later there are still stoats on Resolution. But Department of Conservation biodiversity ranger, Peter McMurtrie, won’t be giving up any time soon. Biodiversity … [Read more...] about No easy answers, but eradication efforts ongoing for Resolution Island
Putting the case for using Māori bird names
Should we be making a greater effort to use Māori bird names in science communication and environmental reporting – promoting their wider everyday use in the community? The answer seems an obvious yes! If fact we already have tūī, kea and kākā, for example. So what’s stopping us? Priscilla … [Read more...] about Putting the case for using Māori bird names