The Dotterels’ Last Stand by Sue Newman, beautifully illustrated by Paul A. Willis is a realistic and ‘almost true’ story of the challenges dotterels face in finding a safe nest-site. A pair of dotterels visit a number of familiar landmarks and buildings that will be familiar to Auckland children … [Read more...] about Book: The Dotterels’ Last Stand
Tools & resources
Can we make New Zealand Pest Free?
Zealandia learning units: Inquiry for Environmental Technology in New Zealand for year 4-8 Students. There are five core sessions with two additional sessions to be integrated as appropriate. Key competencies: Thinking; Using language, symbols, and texts; Managing self; Relating to others; … [Read more...] about Can we make New Zealand Pest Free?
Going on a Backyard Safari
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 … [Read more...] about Going on a Backyard Safari
Learn how to get the most out of your Goodnature traps (webinar)
Robbie Van Dam from Goodnature discusses their automatic self resetting traps. You will learn: how to use the traps in the most effective way (for different pest animals) trap placement about the most effective lures some insights into their community projects about Goodnature's … [Read more...] about Learn how to get the most out of your Goodnature traps (webinar)
Learn how to get the most out of your DOC trapping series (webinar)
Darren Peters from the Department of Conservation discusses the DOC series of traps (150, 200 and 250). You can expect to learn: how to use the DOC series of traps in the most effective way (for different pest animals) trap placement about the most effective lures about some of the … [Read more...] about Learn how to get the most out of your DOC trapping series (webinar)
Mohua facts
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. In the 1800s, the mohua was one of the most common birds in New Zealand forests. Mohua flocked in large groups and their song could … [Read more...] about Mohua facts
Remote monitoring of traps
Celium Technology This is transforming wide scale pest management in rural and remote areas by enabling traps to be monitored remotely. These ‘smart-traps’ transmit data about their status to a central hub, then via satellite to a cellphone or laptop. More … [Read more...] about Remote monitoring of traps
Training courses for secondary
We've identified three courses available for secondary students: Project Possum - stage 1 involves senior secondary students learning, practising and being assessed on skills and knowledge related to possum trapping, skinning, fur and pelt recovery, possum biology and their environmental … [Read more...] about Training courses for secondary
Weasel facts
Weasels are mustelids. That means they belong to the same animal family as stoats and ferrets. Weasels are the smallest of the mustelid family. They have red/brown coats with white fur on their belly and short tails. Adult weasels are about 20cm to 25cm long. Weasels have a long, thin body with … [Read more...] about Weasel facts
Stoat facts
Stoats belong to the same mustelid family of animals as weasels and ferrets. They’re bigger than weasels and smaller than ferrets. Stoats were introduced to New Zealand in the 1884 to control rabbits and hares. Scientists and bird-lovers warned that they would be a danger to our native birds, but … [Read more...] about Stoat facts