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…
Kea survival during aerial 1080 – identifying the risks
Predator control in kea habitat is mostly by aerial 1080 – and some kea are known to have died from eating the bait. It’s not…
Trials test feasibility of removing pigs, cats and mice from Auckland Island
Trials are in full swing down in the Southern Ocean exploring whether it’s possible to rid Auckland Island of its three remaining introduced predators –…
Lego kākāpō design needs 10,000 supporters
University student Hayden P. is a Lego enthusiast with a passion for New Zealand birds. If his latest Lego design – a kākāpō – reaches…
Blindness no big deal for Okarito wild kiwi
Most wild birds and animals don’t survive long if they go blind. Not so, our kiwi. The discovery of otherwise healthy, but blind wild kiwi…
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…
Kea and 1080 – nesting success demonstrated
Not only do kea nest on the ground, but it takes about 4 months from egg-laying until kea chicks fledge. Four months is a long…
Clearing river islands may help nesting terns
Researchers from the University of Otago and Department of Conservation have been investigating how to improve the plight of our endangered black-fronted terns in research…
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…
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…
Study evaluates kiwi aversion training for dogs
As families and sometimes pets head off to holiday spots for summer, now is a good time to remember that dogs – even Pekinese and…
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…
Regional Councils tackle biodiversity challenge
New Zealand’s regional councils have just released a ‘think piece’ on the future of biodiversity management in New Zealand. “Our native flora and fauna is…
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…
Hawke’s Bay study shows predator control contributes to farmland biodiversity
Predator control for conservation purposes tends to focus on reserves, sanctuaries and remnants of native habitat rather than open pastures. When researchers publish articles on…
