Colin Miskelly is hoping to solve a mystery one day – to find where grey-backed storm petrels breed. They’re one of the smallest seabirds in the New Zealand region and there’s a very good chance they have a colony somewhere in the lower South Island. Grey-backed storm petrel, Rangatira Island, … [Read more...] about Colin Miskelly investigates seabird mysteries
Researchers/innovators
A salute to our conservation heroines
Conservation heroines – they’re all around us… everyday people like your neighbour, your Mum, your friend, or that clever inventor who lives at the end of your street. Conservation heroines are women who are using their passion, skills and talents to help our endangered wildlife to survive and … [Read more...] about A salute to our conservation heroines
Burning questions, conservation conundrums – kiwi researchers share insights on key research challenges
What don’t we know? What challenges need further investigation? In January of this year, Predator Free 2050 Ltd announced two funding initiatives – one for doctorate and post-doctorate research at tertiary and research institutions and the other for ‘Products to Projects’, where the aim is to … [Read more...] about Burning questions, conservation conundrums – kiwi researchers share insights on key research challenges
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
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
Lockdown project reveals abundance of backyard birds
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
Guidance for Alert Level 2
New Zealand is moving to Level 2 at midnight 13th May (this evening). This is great news, as most people will be able to resume predator control activities on public land. We recommend you check with the manager of the land in case they have any special requirements at Level 2 The general … [Read more...] about Guidance for Alert Level 2
Alert Level 3 —what you can and can’t do
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
Overlooked takahē – April is your month
April is ‘Takahē Awareness Month’ and really it seems like the big blue/green bird could do with some extra publicity. A check of the ‘Bird of the Year’ winners for the 14 years since it was established in 2005 reveals that the takahē has never once made the top slot. Even its common cousin the … [Read more...] about Overlooked takahē – April is your month
Tīeke – legendary teller of fortunes and guardian of treasure
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