Predator Free NZ

Techniques/technologies

Monitoring shows ungulates increasing on public conservation land

by

Not all introduced mammals are predators. Apart from omnivorous pigs, the 14 types of ungulate (hooved) mammals introduced here over the years are all plant-grazers of one sort or another. But restoring habitat and removing predators go hand-in-hand if we’re to reverse the downward spiral of our … [Read more...] about Monitoring shows ungulates increasing on public conservation land

Goat Island rat abundance measured in multiple ways

by

Markus Gronwald and James Russell from the University of Auckland recently measured rat relative abundance on Goat Island, 70km north of Auckland. Both camera traps and digital strike counters for Goodnature A24 self-resetting traps were used and the results compared. A total of 7155 videos, more … [Read more...] about Goat Island rat abundance measured in multiple ways

River tested as reinvasion obstacle to possums

by

Reinvasion by predators, of previously cleared areas, is one of the many challenges of becoming predator free. We can’t fence huge tracts of wilderness – but we can potentially make use of natural barriers. Possums, for example, may be reluctant to cross rivers. Possums may be reluctant to cross … [Read more...] about River tested as reinvasion obstacle to possums

Less stress = translocation success for tiny rifleman

by

Translocation is an important tool for conservation management – but it comes with risks. The capture and transfer process can be highly stressful to wildlife. Some individuals can and have died. Finding ways to reduce translocation stress can save lives. And the lives that are saved are often … [Read more...] about Less stress = translocation success for tiny rifleman

Know your bird calls – human brain vs hard-drive

by

It was human vs hard-drive in Rawhiti, Northland when researchers pitted volunteer bird enthusiasts of various ages and experience against Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs). Senses were pitted against sensors to see who (or what) was best at detecting and identifying calls. Both humans and machines … [Read more...] about Know your bird calls – human brain vs hard-drive

When economics meets ecology – assessing the ‘ecosystem services’ of farmland

by

Wetland areas and covenanted bush blocks on farms have a clear ecological value, but do they have an economic value as well? The answer is yes. But that leads to another question. How can you assess the economic value of an area of wetland or remnant forest that isn’t producing saleable crops or … [Read more...] about When economics meets ecology – assessing the ‘ecosystem services’ of farmland

Blue Mountains study shows 1080 effective – even for hedgehogs, mice

by

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

Dual 1080 bait switch solves bait-shy possum issues

by

When researchers tested a dual baiting regime on ship rats back in 2016-2017, they also made some interesting observations about possum behaviour in their study area. Could dual baiting be adapted to overcome the bait-shy behaviour of possum survivors too? Possums that survive an aerial 1080 … [Read more...] about Dual 1080 bait switch solves bait-shy possum issues