A cicada on a branch.

Hot bug summer: 5 cool facts about New Zealand’s cicadas

The cicada chorus can signal the beginning of a long hot summer. With various native species, we are lucky to hear their calls in almost every corner of the country. From bizarre fungal enemies to world record titles, here are some of the most exciting facts about Aotearoa New Zealand’s cicadas. They’ll be sure to … Continue reading Hot bug summer: 5 cool facts about New Zealand’s cicadas

A wrapped gift.

Seasons tweetings: give a nature-friendly gift this year

Gift inspiration for buying for yourself or the wildlife lover in your life. Not just nature-themed, many of these present ideas give back to conservation too, which means you’ll surely end up on Santa’s nice list.  Voucher Give the gift of choice! Introducing the Predator Free New Zealand Trust gift voucher for our online shop, … Continue reading Seasons tweetings: give a nature-friendly gift this year

Predator Free NZ Predator control calendar.

A new monthly reminder: the predator control calendar you can’t do without

This annual wall planner is full of useful information to help you tailor your predator control to seasonal changes in the environment and maximise your effectiveness. Information includes what predators might be up to in your landscape at different times of the year including what trees are attractive to possums, when birds are breeding and … Continue reading A new monthly reminder: the predator control calendar you can’t do without

A spider in a web with hearts around it.

Not creepy, just crawly: spiders are cooler than you think

This Halloween, spare a little love for symbols of the spooky season: spiders.  Supposedly scary but mostly misunderstood, these eight-legged creatures are vital to nature. There are more than 2000 species of pūngāwerewere (spider) in Aotearoa New Zealand, and most of them are endemic (i.e. as unique as the kiwi and kākāpō). Look beyond their … Continue reading Not creepy, just crawly: spiders are cooler than you think

A kākāpo

Why kākāpō are called kākāpō and other wildlife names

In Aotearoa New Zealand Māori are ‘tangata whenua’ – people of the land. This reflects the importance of te taiao (the environment) to Māori identity, culture, and tikanga.  Te reo Māori is shaped by the unique environment and wildlife. There is a depth of meaning to te reo Māori words. Often a one or two-word … Continue reading Why kākāpō are called kākāpō and other wildlife names

Two kererū perched in a tree.

Time poor? Seven easy ways to join the predator free movement

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? Seven easy ways to join the predator free movement

Cam Speedy demonstrates a flour paste

Give your birdlife a boost and create a possum nightclub

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

Mōhua on a branch.

Where have all the custard-heads gone? 5 facts on our rare mōhua

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

A kea close-up

Brainy, beautiful and beloved: so why are our kea disappearing?

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?

Rat in some leaf litter

Oh, rats! 5 rodent facts that will shock you

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

A kākāpō with two chicks, they are cuddling up to each other.

Love is in the air: bumper breeding season for kākāpō

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

Understorey of NZ forest

The missing link: 5 crucial ways conservation and climate change are connected

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 shining cuckoo being fed by its grey warbler foster parent.

Mystery, migration and mucous membranes: 5 curious facts about the shining cuckoo

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

A kākā perched on a fence

8 New Zealand ecosanctuaries you can’t miss this summer

Escape into nature these summer holidays by 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 ecosystems in the far south, there is something just … Continue reading 8 New Zealand ecosanctuaries you can’t miss this summer

A titipounamu on a branch.

5 facts you should know about titipounamu

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

Tūī with a Santa hat on

Our 2021 holiday feel-good gift guide

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

Children balancing on a fallen log.

5 fun conservation activities for the family

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

5 reasons why it’s time to join your local trapping group

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

Rat in some leaf litter

Troubleshooting tips: What to do when your rat trap isn’t catching any rats

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

Two Otago skinks showing their beautiful distinct patterns

5 NZ skinks found nowhere else in the world

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

Two kereru in a nest

5 ways to make your garden a safe haven for native species

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