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
Researchers/innovators
Predator control — what you can and can’t do right now
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
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
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
Elwyn Welch – a man, his bantams and a tale of takahē
Elwyn Welch was a Wairarapa farmer who loved birds. Most people have probably never heard of him, but back in the 1950s, he and his specially trained bantam hens had a vital role to play in the conservation and breeding of the recently rediscovered takahē. Elwyn and the bantams were recruited for a … [Read more...] about Elwyn Welch – a man, his bantams and a tale of takahē
Remembering Don Merton and a bird called ‘Old Blue’
Don Merton (1939-2011) was a passionate pioneer in the conservation of endangered birds. His work was recognised world-wide and for 30 years he worked with the kakapo recovery programme. But there was another, even rarer bird that he and his team brought back from the very brink of extinction – the … [Read more...] about Remembering Don Merton and a bird called ‘Old Blue’
New book tells story of ‘Disaster on Four Small Paws’
Dr Carolyn King has spent a lifetime studying New Zealand’s introduced mammalian predators and is recognised as an international expert on mustelids. Meticulous historical and scientific research, along with a lifetime of practical field experience come together in her latest book, Invasive … [Read more...] about New book tells story of ‘Disaster on Four Small Paws’
Hot News from the Cold South: An update on Maukahuka Pest Free Auckland Island
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
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’