Tūī spill out from Maungatautari
Maungatautari Ecosanctuary is overflowing with tūī. They’re spilling over the predator proof fence into the surrounding community, according to an article just published in Notornis…
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…
National survey looks at ‘worldview’ and public attitudes to gene drive technologies
What do you know about gene drive technology? How do you feel about it? Would knowing more make you feel more supportive of gene drive…
Researchers surprised by petrel numbers on ‘refuge’ islands
A survey of 71 islands in southern Fiordland in the summer of 2017, by researchers from Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the…
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…
Native plants show potential as future rat toxins
Tuhoe researchers recently joined other scientists in evaluating naturally occurring toxins in native plants. Could one of those toxins provide a culturally acceptable alternative to…
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…
Video camera study reveals rare birds in ruru diet
The ruru (morepork) is a predator – but it’s certainly not on the ‘predator-free’ hit list. Those slots are just for introduced mammal predators which…
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…
Kaikoura red-billed gull study reveals predator impacts over 52 years
If you park up at the beach with a feed of fish and chips it can seem like red-billed gulls are common and thriving. But…
Would summer eradication of rodents work for Auckland Island?
Approximately one-third of New Zealand’s islands are now free of all invasive mammals. Could Auckland Island be next? Predator control and eradication operations are often…
Near-barren island transformed to harbour sanctuary
Matakohe – Limestone Island in Whangarei Harbour, was once the site of Matakohe pa, with extensive kumara gardens. Later ‘Limestone Island’ was home to a…
Future conservation role possible for urban lizard gardens
City dwellers and urban lizard gardens could play a significant role in future skink and gecko conservation in New Zealand, according to research just published…
Video logger films at-sea foraging of yellow-eyed penguin
A male yellow-eyed penguin from Boulder Beach on the Otago Peninsula, recently became a video star for researchers Thomas Mattern, Michael McPherson, Ursula Ellenberg, Yolanda…
Breeding season underway for yellow-eyed penguins – 2019 Bird of the Year
It’s ‘all go’ for yellow-eyed penguins – 2019 Bird of the Year – and those who help protect them. ‘Penguin Season’ is underway in Otago…
