Chillest vibes: conservation group members are rich (in social capital)
Research reveals participating in conservation community groups doesn’t just give back to nature; it gives back to you and your community. University of Auckland researchers…
Mystery, migration and mucous membranes: 5 curious facts about the shining cuckoo
In early September, a unique summer visitor to Aotearoa begins to grace our shores, migrating from the tropics. The pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo) certainly make an…
Comic: macrons matter
That little line above certain vowels makes a big difference when it comes to the pronunciation and meaning of te reo Māori. Illustrator Matt Russell…
Funding milestone ignites Predator Free Communities across Aotearoa
Today marks a milestone as we grant an unprecedented $92,000 to support 23 predator free community initiatives. We select outstanding Predator Free Communities from around…
Comic: solving the rat surge puzzle
This comic is brought to you by the talented illustrator Sarah Maybe Little, explaining a study into where surging rat numbers come from during high-elevation…
5 weird and wonderful native animals that aren’t birds
Aotearoa New Zealand’s biodiversity extends far beyond our feathery friends. Prepare to be wowed by these five native species, from bizarre fuzzy weevils to very…
Troubleshooting tips: what to do if your possum trap isn’t catching any possums
So, you’ve set your possum trap, hoping to make a dent in the possum population destroying your fruit trees and eating birds’ eggs and invertebrates…
How to make sure your native plants take root
Winter is the ideal time for planting native plants, as the cold temperatures and rainfall help trees and shrubs get a chance to settle in…
Study reveals surprising insights on rat behaviour in NZ forests
If we can understand how invasive species use different habitats, we can better predict how their populations might change due to climate change. In a…
Attention: predator free ranger on the loose
Tim Exton is a man on a mission. As the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) predator free ranger for eastern Te Waipounamu (South Island), Tim spends…
What’s on the menu? 5 lures that aren’t peanut butter
Is peanut butter not attracting predators like it used to? Let’s shake things up with five lures that’ll make your trap the hottest dining spot…
Suppression vs eradication – what’s the difference?
The words “suppression” and “eradication” get used a lot in the predator free movement. But what do these terms actually mean? While suppression (also known…
A dreamy new takahē book hits the shelves
Conservation success stories don’t get much more dramatic than the tale of the takahē. Takahē: Bird of Dreams takes readers on the rollercoaster of takahē…
5 ways to up your game as a responsible cat owner
Do cats rule us, or do we rule cats? When your fluffy friend lounges across your laptop keyboard or nibbles you on the ankle when…
Tackling Fiordland: DOC calls in apprentice backup
In a daring expedition on the high seas, predator free apprentice duo Aidan Braid and Jamie Hickling tackled coastal trapping head-on. With the Department of…
