As 2019 ends, so does the feasibility stage of the Maukahuka Pest Free Auckland Island project. This ambitious project proposes to eradicate pigs, mice and cats from Auckland Island (46,000 ha), the largest island in New Zealand’s World Heritage listed Subantarctic region. This is a significant … [Read more...] about Hot News from the Cold South: An update on Maukahuka Pest Free Auckland Island
Researchers/innovators
Lance Richdale – first protector of albatross at Taiaroa Head
The world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross – at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula – might not exist at all if it weren’t for one man. His name was Lance Richdale. Lance Richdale weighs the first albatross chick to successfully fledge at Taiaroa Head, 23 April 1938. … [Read more...] about Lance Richdale – first protector of albatross at Taiaroa Head
EnviroMate100 bait station delivers time-controlled ‘dinner dishes’
Shane Hyde of Kaeo (Whangarei) left school at 16 and spent years working on predator control and weed control projects, but ill health in 2006, after spraying herbicides, forced him to rethink how he approached the physically demanding outdoor work. The next few years weren’t easy – but … [Read more...] about EnviroMate100 bait station delivers time-controlled ‘dinner dishes’
Bait station modification baffles bait-stealing possums
For community groups carrying out predator control it can be a real struggle to get rat numbers down to a level that allows small native birds to successfully breed in spring. One frustrating issue can be possums cleaning out the bait in your bait stations before the rats get to it, meaning large … [Read more...] about Bait station modification baffles bait-stealing possums
The results are in: Where to next for Pest Free Auckland Island?
Four months on from the first boat leaving for Auckland Island, all the field teams are home safely for the winter. A whirlwind summer has seen great gains in knowledge about the island and has given valuable insights into how the ambitious plan to remove pigs, cats and mice might work. The … [Read more...] about The results are in: Where to next for Pest Free Auckland Island?
PekaPeka bird feeder is a winner for its Dunedin designers
Harvey Penfold is a product design student, in his final year at Otago Polytech, Tahu Mackenzie is LEOTC (Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom) Education Officer at Orokonui Ecosanctuary just north of Dunedin and together they’ve designed an innovative bird-feeder. The PekaPeka was designed … [Read more...] about PekaPeka bird feeder is a winner for its Dunedin designers
Trials test feasibility of removing pigs, cats and mice from Auckland Island
Trials are in full swing down in the Southern Ocean exploring whether it’s possible to rid Auckland Island of its three remaining introduced predators – pigs, cats and mice. Following the successful eradication of mice from Antipodes Island, the Department of Conservation has turned its … [Read more...] about Trials test feasibility of removing pigs, cats and mice from Auckland Island
Lego kākāpō design needs 10,000 supporters
University student Hayden P. is a Lego enthusiast with a passion for New Zealand birds. If his latest Lego design – a kākāpō – reaches 10,000 supporters on the Lego Ideas website then the design will be considered for commercial release as an official Lego product to be sold worldwide. Come … [Read more...] about Lego kākāpō design needs 10,000 supporters
‘Rivers Rare’ tells success story of Waitaki braided river conservation
When the Waitaki hydro system was developed, 7,400 ha of open braided river habitat and 3,900 ha of swamplands were lost in order to ‘bring power to the people’. As well as increased electricity generation, we gained 22,250 ha of lakes and 290 ha of lake shoreline, but at a cost. It is the … [Read more...] about ‘Rivers Rare’ tells success story of Waitaki braided river conservation
Rat-trapping compost bin disposes of rodent problem
What’s a broken-down washing machine got to do with backyard predator control? Not a trick question – just an example of the creative and inventive lengths some entrepreneurs will go to in order to nab rodent compost bin raiders. Hannah Smith in Auckland, had a problem. She wanted to recycle … [Read more...] about Rat-trapping compost bin disposes of rodent problem