Seed-spreading role of lizards investigated
We’ve a lot still to learn about our lizards. In some of the remoter parts of Aotearoa/New Zealand, new species of skinks and geckos are…
Birds, not rats rule the roost at Lynmore School
Last term Lynmore School in Rotorua took delivery of 10 rescue hens. “It was pretty cool,” says teacher Andrew Doyle. “They’re ex-battery hens. The rescuer…
Towards a Predator Free Taranaki
A large-scale predator project, the biggest of its kind in New Zealand, was launched in Taranaki today supported by more than $11 million from the…
Rat catches get people talking in Sumner
There’s a new topic of conversation doing the rounds of the beach-side cafes and neighbourhood of Sumner in Christchurch. “It’s surprising who gets very proud…
Poor fliers reluctant to cross water
Passerines are songbirds which can perch. More than half of all bird species are passerines and many of those found in Aotearoa/New Zealand are unique.…
Everyday life goes ‘wild’ in Newtown
Andrew Roxburgh reckons the Newtown area of Wellington where he lives is becoming a more wild place – “and that’s pretty cool!” Andrew is a…
Rat poisons and human medicines have natural links
Like many modern-day medicines, rodenticides are often derived from natural sources. Plants may evolve toxic chemicals to protect them from grazers for example, and sometimes…
Increasing biodiversity is a priority at Craigmore Station
Every year David Bielski, manager of Craigmore Station in South Canterbury, plans to spend $50,000 of the station’s budget on fencing, planting trees and labour…
Crofton Downs is bursting with birdlife
Kelvin Hastie describes himself as a positive person. He doesn’t do negativity – and lately he’s had plenty to feel positive about. “The other day…
Saving community conservation
Community conservation is in trouble and without clear objectives and support structures the risk of volunteers losing interest is high, according to a new report…
Mangarara Family Farm tackles predators with high-flying support
When Greg Hart’s family moved to Mangarara Station in Central Hawkes Bay in the mid 1990s, they shot 3 possums on their first night at…
Phill Waddington – Wildlife artist and DOC Series trap inventor
Not long ago, a door-knocking volunteer from a community trapping group offered to lend Phill Waddington a DOC 200 trap to put in his back…
Rotokare Scenic Reserve valued and thriving once more
Rotokare Scenic Reserve, near Eltham in South Taranaki is a stunning reserve of mature native bush, wetlands and a 17.8hectare natural lake that was first…
McGillivrays’ orchard is ‘rat farm’ no longer
When Wilson and Barbara McGillivray announced to friends that they were buying an avocado orchard, the response from one friend was less than enthusiastic. “He…
Thermal imaging reveals Tekapo pests and predator
When Sam Staley went to the Defence Force’s Tekapo Military Training Area back in 1996 to run the Military Camp and Training Area for a…
