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Researchers tackle challenge of monitoring rūrū

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The rūrū is Aotearoa’s last remaining native owl. It’s not considered a threatened species. In fact, it’s reasonably common and widespread, especially in forested parts of the North Island and western South Island. But rūrū do tend to nest in tree cavities, which puts females at risk from introduced … [Read more...] about Researchers tackle challenge of monitoring rūrū

Tīeke – legendary teller of fortunes and guardian of treasure

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Tīeke have a legendary reputation as guardians, weather-predictors, fortune-tellers and guides, although their saddle-like markings are said to be a sign that they once displeased Māui-pōtiki and were marked when he grabbed them with a hot hand and singed their feathers. North Island Saddleback … [Read more...] about Tīeke – legendary teller of fortunes and guardian of treasure

Predator control — what you can and can’t do right now

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Many of you may be wondering what you can and can’t do to protect our native wildlife throughout the lockdown period. So we thought we would summarise this for you. For up to date information on the COVID-19 response see the Government website. Predator Free Lyall Bay. If you are involved … [Read more...] about Predator control — what you can and can’t do right now

‘Intractable species’ prove a challenge for conservation

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Why are some native species so much harder to save? Kelly Hare et al have called them the ‘intractable species’ and investigate why they continue to flounder even with rigorous conservation efforts in some cases. Female hihi. Hihi struggle to find enough food, even in sanctuaries and are named … [Read more...] about ‘Intractable species’ prove a challenge for conservation

Rat eradication breakthrough — Breaksea Island 1988

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Breaksea Island is a 170 hectare, steep, windswept rugged lump of rock located about 2km off the coast of southwest Fiordland and in 1988 it was the scene of a significant step forward in the techniques of island predator eradications. Breaksea Island from the southwest. Photo: LawrieM. … [Read more...] about Rat eradication breakthrough — Breaksea Island 1988

EcoGene® team share wildlife forensic expertise

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Hester is a senior molecular technician at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, specialising in Ecological Genetics with a focus on Wildlife Forensics. When she’s feeling whimsical, she likes to describe her work as ‘CSI: Wildlife’. If, for example, protected species are being killed and the predator … [Read more...] about EcoGene® team share wildlife forensic expertise

Identifying impediments to PF goals

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Achieving Predator Free 2050 goals will take more than just a scaling-up of eradication efforts according to researchers Duane Peltzer et al from Landcare Research (Lincoln) and the University of Canterbury. They look beyond economic and technological feasibility to identify the key impediments we … [Read more...] about Identifying impediments to PF goals

Māori Studies students surveyed on social acceptability of wasp control biotechnologies

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Wasps and new technologies to control and eradicate them was the focus of a recent study at Victoria University of Wellington, seeking Māori Studies students’ perspectives of the social acceptability of novel biotechnologies. Introduced accidentally in 1944 the German Wasp (Vespula germanica) is … [Read more...] about Māori Studies students surveyed on social acceptability of wasp control biotechnologies