Predator Free NZ

Researchers/innovators

Dave Edwards aims to make Sentinel possum traps more user friendly

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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

No easy answers, but eradication efforts ongoing for Resolution Island

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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

Lockdown project reveals abundance of backyard birds

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Have you got a resident fantail that hangs out in your garden? Are you sure there’s just the one? When Auckland University’s Dr James Russell banded the birds in his home garden he was amazed to find his ‘resident pīwakawaka’ was actually 36 different fantails all visiting his garden at … [Read more...] about Lockdown project reveals abundance of backyard birds

Alert Level 3 —what you can and can’t do

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Most recently updated 12pm 28 April We are now in Level 3. We know a number of you are looking forward to getting back to your projects and checking and rebaiting your traps and bait stations. We’ve been trying to get the most up to date information so you can be clear on what you can and … [Read more...] about Alert Level 3 —what you can and can’t do

Tīeke – legendary teller of fortunes and guardian of treasure

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Tīeke have a legendary reputation as guardians, weather-predictors, fortune-tellers and guides, although their saddle-like markings are said to be a sign that they once displeased Māui-pōtiki and were marked when he grabbed them with a hot hand and singed their feathers. North Island Saddleback … [Read more...] about Tīeke – legendary teller of fortunes and guardian of treasure

Predator control — what you can and can’t do right now

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Many of you may be wondering what you can and can’t do to protect our native wildlife throughout the lockdown period. So we thought we would summarise this for you. For up to date information on the COVID-19 response see the Government website. Predator Free Lyall Bay. If you are involved … [Read more...] about Predator control — what you can and can’t do right now

Rat eradication breakthrough — Breaksea Island 1988

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Breaksea Island is a 170 hectare, steep, windswept rugged lump of rock located about 2km off the coast of southwest Fiordland and in 1988 it was the scene of a significant step forward in the techniques of island predator eradications. Breaksea Island from the southwest. Photo: LawrieM. … [Read more...] about Rat eradication breakthrough — Breaksea Island 1988

EcoGene® team share wildlife forensic expertise

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Hester is a senior molecular technician at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, specialising in Ecological Genetics with a focus on Wildlife Forensics. When she’s feeling whimsical, she likes to describe her work as ‘CSI: Wildlife’. If, for example, protected species are being killed and the predator … [Read more...] about EcoGene® team share wildlife forensic expertise