A black cat on a dirt road.

Cat catastrophe: The final frontier – managing feral cats

Part 3 of our series Cat catastrophe: Why are we behind Australia in managing cats? Cats are the eighth-most populous species in the world and are found on every continent except Antarctica. But, as invasive species across many of these continents, their popularity comes at a tremendous cost. Despite Australia’s differences in land size and … Continue reading Cat catastrophe: The final frontier – managing feral cats

A cat playing with a spring

Cat catastrophe: Why are we behind Australia in managing cats?

Part 1: One massive problem, two different approaches As Kiwis, we pride ourselves on leading the world when it comes to protecting our native species. Our ambitious and ground-breaking Predator Free 2050 goal – and the investment and ingenuity behind it – is unlike anything seen elsewhere on the global stage. Why, then, are we quickly … Continue reading Cat catastrophe: Why are we behind Australia in managing cats?

Robin perched on a branch

Is the future of the Chatham Islands predator free?

Before the arrival of humans, the Chatham Islands were teeming with animal life. Geographically isolated for millions of years, fauna and flora living on the Chathams evolved into unique species found nowhere else in the world. The human introduction of rats, possums and feral cats has devastated the island’s once-rich biodiversity. But there’s hope for … Continue reading Is the future of the Chatham Islands predator free?

A group of trapper walking along a path

Funding injection boosts efforts of 13 predator free community groups across NZ

Today we’ve awarded $50,000 in funding to 13 Predator Free community groups, which will be used to kickstart new backyard communities and help existing groups expand their progress. The successful groups span across the length and breadth of the country, with each group looking to utilise their funding in a different way.  Some are creating … Continue reading Funding injection boosts efforts of 13 predator free community groups across NZ

A whio close up shot

Combined control contains the key to whio population growth

A seven-year Department of Conservation study into combined predator control methods has revealed great news for the survival of our native whio (blue ducks).  The findings show that 1080 used alongside trapping can keep introduced predators at bay – giving whio populations a chance to grow. The study comes on the back of research that … Continue reading Combined control contains the key to whio population growth

Helen attaching a device to a tree.

What inspires the inspiring? We asked 5 women making big strides in conservation

Longlife lures. Burrowing birds. Cute kākāpō cartoons. What do all these things have in common? Amazing wāhine who are forwarding the predator free goal in a myriad of different ways. This International Women’s Day, we took a look at five women kicking some serious conservation goals. Dr Helen Blackie: taking tech new places To reach … Continue reading What inspires the inspiring? We asked 5 women making big strides in conservation

Estelle holding a caught stoat.

IWD2022: teaching about our taonga with Estelle Pura Pera-Leask

Māori values, practices and stories are integral to the predator free kaupapa, and Māori knowledge and energy is crucial to its success. For International Women’s Day, we spoke to Estelle Pura Pera-Leask – a key figure bringing Māori voices and expertise to the movement. She represents Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu on the Southland Conservation … Continue reading IWD2022: teaching about our taonga with Estelle Pura Pera-Leask

Elizabeth (Biz) Bell smiling portrait shot

IWD2022: enterprising ecology with Biz Bell

How do you make ecological expertise available to a wide range of groups, organisations and government entities? By running a world-leading environmental consultancy. This International Women’s Day, we chatted with Biz Bell, who is doing just that with her company Wildlife Management International Ltd (WMIL). And in her work, Biz has managed projects that have … Continue reading IWD2022: enterprising ecology with Biz Bell

Helen attaching a device to a tree.

IWD2022: taking tech new places with Dr Helen Blackie

To reach an ambitious goal, you’re going to need some ingenious thinking. Aotearoa New Zealand is investing heavily in new tech and tools to reach the Predator Free 2050 target. With International Women’s Day upon us, we chatted with Dr Helen Blackie who is at the helm of several exciting developments happening in this space.  … Continue reading IWD2022: taking tech new places with Dr Helen Blackie

A kākāpō with two chicks, they are cuddling up to each other.

Love is in the air: bumper breeding season for kākāpō

Cupid’s bow and arrow have well and truly hit their mark this kākāpō breeding season. We’ve seen mammoth mating sessions, super-sized clutches, and reclusive bachelors getting back in the game.  This Valentine’s day, we take a look at one of the most successful kākāpō breeding seasons to date – and what it means for this … Continue reading Love is in the air: bumper breeding season for kākāpō

Image shows a group of Sika Foundation volunteers with Finn Giddy, walking in tussock grass heading to check trap lines in the Kaimanawa ranges for predators. 

Unusual offices: A glimpse at the life of a Taupō predator free apprentice

They say if you choose a career you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Technically, apprentice Finn Giddy works “bloody hard” – according to his boss Jason. But the fact he gets to work in his favourite places, doing what he loves, makes his chosen career more than just work. It’s a … Continue reading Unusual offices: A glimpse at the life of a Taupō predator free apprentice