Want to do your part to protect our native species but can’t find the time? We’ve got some good news, busy people – joining the predator free movement doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. Here are seven easy ways to support the predator free movement in 2022: 1. Make your garden attractive to … Continue reading Time poor? 7 easy ways to join the predator free movement
Things you should know
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A possum nightclub might sound like a conservation nightmare, but it’s a great way to give your birdlife a helping hand. Possums breed in March and April and again in September and October. During this time, they’re really promiscuous and are out socialising and moving around a lot. If you have a low number of … Continue reading Give your birdlife a boost and create a possum nightclub
With the affectionate nickname of custard-head, it should be easy to recognise the mōhua (yellowhead). Their bright yellow plumage donning their heads should be a giveaway, right? Wrong. Did you know mōhua have an avian impersonator? Here we take a look at these fascinating birds, their interesting quirks, and the biggest challenges to their survival. … Continue reading Where have all the custard-heads gone? 5 facts on our rare mōhua
Dubbed ‘the clever clowns of the Alps’, kea are much loved for their cheeky spirit and keen intelligence. So it can be shocking to learn that these fun-loving birds are in serious trouble, with populations in decline. So how did we get to this point? And what can be done to save the kea? A … Continue reading Brainy, beautiful and beloved: so why are our kea disappearing?
Steep streams, turbulent rapids and huge boulders are terrains too rough for most ducks – but perfect for a whio (blue duck). It’s Whio Awareness Month! So, let’s have a look at these special ducks that adorn our $10 note with our five top facts on whio. 1. If you find whio, you will find … Continue reading Getting to know our plucky duck: 5 facts about whio
If you still view rats as merely a packet-gnawing, pooping pantry menace, it’s time to take a second look. Rats aren’t simply a nuisance in Aotearoa New Zealand – they’re a rampant threat of extinction proportions. The introduction and later spread of rats throughout New Zealand has had a devastating impact on our native species. … Continue reading Oh, rats! 5 rodent facts that will shock you
Cupid’s bow and arrow have well and truly hit their mark this kākāpō breeding season. We’ve seen mammoth mating sessions, super-sized clutches, and reclusive bachelors getting back in the game. This Valentine’s day, we take a look at one of the most successful kākāpō breeding seasons to date – and what it means for this … Continue reading Love is in the air: bumper breeding season for kākāpō
Conservation and climate change have a lot in common. They are big challenges that require big solutions. The good news? Protecting the environment helps our native species – and can help address climate change too. 1. A predator-free forest absorbs more carbon dioxide Many of us know that forests are climate change warriors, thanks to … Continue reading The missing link: 5 crucial ways conservation and climate change are connected
A unique summer visitor to Aotearoa, the shining cuckoo (pīpīwharauroa) only graces our shores in the warmer months, migrating to the tropics once our weather starts to turn cooler. But even in this short window of time, they certainly make an impression with their intriguing behaviours. From unusual breeding strategies, to quirky culinary tastes, here … Continue reading Mystery, migration and mucous membranes: 5 curious facts about the shining cuckoo
Our summer holidays are looking local this year – embrace it with an escape into nature, visiting some of our amazing New Zealand ecosanctuaries. Some incredible New Zealand ecosanctuaries are worth exploring while you’re out and about in your backyard this summer. From lush ancient forests in the far north to rugged and windswept coastal … Continue reading 8 New Zealand ecosanctuaries you can’t miss this summer
A family of titipounamu (rifleman) have made history recently. For the first time in over 100 years, a pair have raised their 5 chicks in Wellington city outside of Zealandia’s predator-proof fence. Titipounamu aren’t as well known as our kiwi or kererū, so what is so special about them? Here are 5 facts you should … Continue reading 5 facts you should know about titipounamu
The holiday season is fast approaching and we have some fantastic gift ideas that our native species will enjoy too! Essential gifts for the backyard Buy a bird feeder Attract native birds to your garden with this New Zealand designed bird feeder kit. Nectar-eating birds such as tūī, bellbird, silvereye, kākā and hihi can drink … Continue reading Our 2021 holiday feel-good gift guide
Get your family excited about helping our native species with these easy, practical activities. Whether you’re having a quiet rainy day or you’re looking for an outdoor project to spruce up your garden, we have 5 fun activities that will help the birds, bugs and lizards in your backyard. We hope you find something you want … Continue reading 5 fun conservation activities for the family
We may be a nation of bird nerds but our native geckos are noteworthy too! There are at least 44 species of native geckos, and more continue to be discovered. From mountain ranges to a messy backyard, geckos inhabit a variety of New Zealand habitats. All of our native lizards, both geckos and skinks, are … Continue reading 5 NZ geckos found nowhere else in the world
New Zealanders join trapping groups for a number of reasons. They may want to protect our native species, leave our country in a better state for future generations or they may feel a strong sense of personal responsibility. Beyond the selfless motivations, joining a trapping group can be of great personal benefit. There are hundreds … Continue reading 5 reasons why it’s time to join your local trapping group
It’s warming up. Our days are getting longer. Many of us are keen to get out and enjoy the outdoors, even if it’s in our own backyards. A lot of our native birds are busy at this time building nests, incubating eggs and getting extra food for hungry chicks. Introduced predators like possums and rats … Continue reading Our top tips for Springtime
In the 1830s rabbits were brought to New Zealand, and within a few decades, their population had ballooned. By 1870 they were considered an agricultural pest and farmers were desperate for a way to control their numbers. Many saw the solution to introduce ferrets, the natural predators of rabbits in England, even though some naturalists … Continue reading 5 Surprising Ferret Facts
We’ve pulled together some tips to make your trap more effective. 1. Know your rat To trap rats successfully you need to know more about them, specifically their behaviours and what motivates them. Here are some interesting facts you should know about them: Rats thrive around humans Humans provide lots of food sources for rats … Continue reading Troubleshooting tips: What to do when your rat trap isn’t catching any rats
New Zealand’s most commonly encountered reptile is the skink. You may have even spotted one in your garden. It is estimated we have around 60 native species of skinks that are widely distributed across the country and some have only been discovered in the last decade. None of our native lizards (both geckos and skinks) … Continue reading 5 NZ skinks found nowhere else in the world
Love the idea of attracting native wildlife into your backyard? Here are 5 ways to make your garden a safe haven. 1. Trap rats Attracting native species to your backyard is great but make sure it’s a safe place for the birds, bugs and lizards that visit. Rats prey upon native birds, chicks and eggs, … Continue reading 5 ways to make your garden a safe haven for native species
The possum was introduced three years before the Treaty of Waitangi was signed and can now be found throughout the country, all the way from Rakiura Stewart Island to Cape Reinga. It has taken us more than a hundred years from when possums were first introduced here to understand the gravity of the damage they … Continue reading 7 surprising facts you should know about possums
It hasn’t got the huge international fanbase of the kākāpō, the show-stopper song of a tūī, bellbird or kōkako or the national icon status of kiwi. Ngutuparore – the wrybill – is a modest little river plover that no-one takes much notice of. But the wrybill’s got something that’s not found in any other bird … Continue reading Little bird has bend in beak
Have you ever wondered what kind of wildlife hang out in your garden? There are sure to be birds, but are there weta in your woodpile? Do geckos lurk in your trees and bushes? Are skinks secretly sunbathing on big warm stones or in the longer grass? Skinks and geckos can be secretive. They scuttle … Continue reading Going on a Backyard Safari
The mohua, or yellowhead, is a small bird with a bright yellow head and breast. Early settlers called it the ‘bush canary’ because of its colour and beautiful song. The mohua’s story is a familiar one, of population decline since the 1800s. In the 1800s, the mohua was one of the most common birds in … Continue reading Mohua facts