New Zealand’s short-tailed bats are tiny – but their appetite is massive. They can increase their bodyweight by a huge 30% in just one night’s successful foraging. That’s some serious pigging out! So just how tiny are they? Well, head to tail their body length is only 6-7cm, but across-wise, … [Read more...] about A strange tale of a bat and a ‘rose’
Success stories
Plastic nest material is potential threat to gannets
Ocean plastic is a worldwide problem – and its impacting wildlife here in New Zealand too. A recent study checked out how much plastic is turning up in gannet nests at a Hauraki Gulf gannetry and found an alarming 86% of nests had at least some plastic included in their construction! Australasian … [Read more...] about Plastic nest material is potential threat to gannets
Tākapu are high-dive champions
Even been stung by a badly executed bellyflop? Then imagine the impact as a diving tākapu (gannet) hits the water in a perfectly executed dive. Tākapu can plunge 20-30 metres into the ocean, hitting the water at speeds of up to 145 km per hour. Just before impact they stretch their wings fully … [Read more...] about Tākapu are high-dive champions
Are weka ‘good predators’?
Weka can be engaging and entertaining, but their opportunistic appetite for other birds’ eggs and chicks can cop them some controversy. They’re not always welcome at ecosanctuaries, for example, even though their own numbers are threatened. Parent weka feeding chick, Brook Sanctuary, Nelson. … [Read more...] about Are weka ‘good predators’?
Sugar intake of kākā measured at ecosanctuary feeders
Otago University zoologists Anna Aichele, Philip Seddon and Yolanda van Heezik have been measuring the sugar intake of kākā at Orokonui Eco-sanctuary just north of Dunedin where sugar water feeders regularly entice birds down from the trees to the delight of visitors. It’s a great way to bring the … [Read more...] about Sugar intake of kākā measured at ecosanctuary feeders
Hidden haven off Coromandel’s 309 Road
Take a drive along Coromandel’s spectacular scenic 309 Road and there’s a spot, somewhere around halfway between Coromandel town and Whitianga where a tarseal street branches off from the famous winding gravel 309. A steel security gate stops the curious from venturing any further without an … [Read more...] about Hidden haven off Coromandel’s 309 Road
River tested as reinvasion obstacle to possums
Reinvasion by predators, of previously cleared areas, is one of the many challenges of becoming predator free. We can’t fence huge tracts of wilderness – but we can potentially make use of natural barriers. Possums, for example, may be reluctant to cross rivers. Possums may be reluctant to cross … [Read more...] about River tested as reinvasion obstacle to possums
Lizards counted on predator free Kāpiti Island
What a difference 20 years makes! The lizards of Kāpiti Island have now had 20 years of living rat-free and researchers Jennifer Gollin, Nic Gorman and Doug Armstrong have been checking out the little reptiles to see how much better they’re doing. The report on the results of their island survey in … [Read more...] about Lizards counted on predator free Kāpiti Island
Tiny alpine bird is an avid collector of feathers
Many people will never see a rock wren. Not everyone makes it up to the alpine and sub-alpine zone and the tiny rock wren doesn’t venture below the treeline. That makes it our only true alpine bird. (Kea and other alpine-living birds do sometimes come down to lower altitude forest, especially in … [Read more...] about Tiny alpine bird is an avid collector of feathers
Researchers survey farmer attitudes to biodiversity
What are New Zealand beef and sheep farmers’ views on managing and protecting native biodiversity on-farm and what barriers do they face to taking positive action? Those were some of the issues investigated in a nation-wide phone survey. Fleur Maseyk and colleagues report on their findings in the … [Read more...] about Researchers survey farmer attitudes to biodiversity