It’s not just native birds that the Tamahunga Trappers are keen to protect. There’s a native iris growing in their reserve that isn’t found anywhere else in the world. “One of our members is a keen amateur botanist and we keep a list of any new plants we discover,” says David Wilson, … [Read more...] about Tamahunga Trappers look out for rare plants as well as wildlife
Volunteers
Ruakuri’s unique karst landscape benefits from zero rat density
The Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, which includes New Zealand’s internationally renowned Ruakuri Cave, is an epic example of cave and karst landscape and sanctuary to New Zealand's endemic and vulnerable fauna and flora, including long-tailed bats and bush falcons. It’s limestone country with caves and … [Read more...] about Ruakuri’s unique karst landscape benefits from zero rat density
Protection and accessibility are key goals for Wharariki Onetahua Restoration
The first time that 80 double-trap DOC 200s were set out at the Wharariki Onetahua Restoration site they caught 29 rats and 25 stoats! Some traps caught two predators! Catching 25 stoats off 80 traps is an awesome total – but think about what that says about the sheer army of predators that … [Read more...] about Protection and accessibility are key goals for Wharariki Onetahua Restoration
Parihaka volunteer roles ‘not too onerous’ and everyone welcome
Dai Morgan says there’s a job for everyone in the Parihaka Landcare Group. “It’s not too onerous. There are different grades of work. It’s usually one Sunday a month and all done in three hours. The traplines can be checked in small sections,” he adds. “If we get enough people, we can do it very … [Read more...] about Parihaka volunteer roles ‘not too onerous’ and everyone welcome
Post Shop and workshops help new Wanaka group recruit backyard trappers
Since forming in Feb 2018, the Wanaka Backyard Trapping Group has been going from strength to strength. “The Post Shop approached us about putting up a display,” explains the group’s co-ordinator, Kris Vollebregt. “It was great. Customers were all standing in the Post Shop queue line by the … [Read more...] about Post Shop and workshops help new Wanaka group recruit backyard trappers
Latest bird survey confirms Hollyford Conservation Trust success
Rifleman are spreading across Martins Bay in Fiordland and there are more kakariki and kaka – “lots more than ever encountered before”. Those are just some of the encouraging results reported after the latest bird counts commissioned by the Hollyford Conservation Trust and carried out by Te Anau … [Read more...] about Latest bird survey confirms Hollyford Conservation Trust success
Eastern Bays Songbird Project ambitious and innovative
Five Auckland suburbs, 16,000 households – if you think it sounds like an ambitious trapping project, you’re not far wrong. Innovative ideas, funding support and well thought out planning are all going to be crucial in the months and years ahead for the Eastern Bays Songbird Project. The backyard … [Read more...] about Eastern Bays Songbird Project ambitious and innovative
Otago groups join forces for Predator Free Dunedin
It’s the new group on the block. Predator Free Dunedin launched just a few weeks ago in early October. But while the umbrella organisation is newly formed, it’s made up of 20 well-established Dunedin volunteer groups and larger organisations representing a wealth of Otago conservation … [Read more...] about Otago groups join forces for Predator Free Dunedin
Adele Earnshaw uses art to help Opua kiwi
Adele Earnshaw grew up in rural Warkworth on a 7-acre property that edged a river, a tributary of the Mahurangi River and with a huge area of native bush nearby. Kiwi have always been special to her. “During my childhood I was always looking for kiwi,” Adele remembers, “But Dad used to say, ‘no … [Read more...] about Adele Earnshaw uses art to help Opua kiwi
Family swaps military life for remote Marlborough Sounds
Both Chris and Barbara Faulls used to have careers in the military. It meant an adventurous life with postings to all sorts of locations around the world, but in 1996 they made the decision to return to the remote beef farm in the Marlborough Sounds where Barbara had grown up. “We got to the … [Read more...] about Family swaps military life for remote Marlborough Sounds