This blog has been written by guest writer, John Bissell: It was that magic part of the day when the night gradually gives way to dawn as I drained the last of my brew and sat down to lace up my boots. I had spent hundreds of dawns in that valley since I could walk in there and the place was … [Read more...] about NZ Predator Hunter – Chasing Zero
Success stories
Elwyn Welch – a man, his bantams and a tale of takahē
Elwyn Welch was a Wairarapa farmer who loved birds. Most people have probably never heard of him, but back in the 1950s, he and his specially trained bantam hens had a vital role to play in the conservation and breeding of the recently rediscovered takahē. Elwyn and the bantams were recruited for a … [Read more...] about Elwyn Welch – a man, his bantams and a tale of takahē
Latest ‘Public Perceptions’ survey gives insight into predator control views
The results of the latest Public Perceptions of New Zealand's Environment have just been released and, as with the previous survey in 2016, the research includes a section produced in collaboration with Predator Free New Zealand Trust and the BioHeritage Challenge, Ngā Koiora Tuku Iko, investigating … [Read more...] about Latest ‘Public Perceptions’ survey gives insight into predator control views
Kids Greening Taupō fosters leadership and community collaboration
In Taupō, Kids Greening Taupō are helping students of all ages to connect with nature and take part in real life conservation projects contributing to their community. Thea DePetris and Rachel Thompson are education coordinators for Kids Greening Taupō, an environmental education programme based on … [Read more...] about Kids Greening Taupō fosters leadership and community collaboration
Hauraki Gulf islanders surveyed on pest control attitudes
Now that an increasing number of our wildlife-rich - but uninhabited by humans - offshore islands are becoming predator free, the conservation spotlight is turning to some of New Zealand’s inhabited islands. But predator eradication becomes more complicated when people are living onsite. Its not … [Read more...] about Hauraki Gulf islanders surveyed on pest control attitudes
Tūī spill out from Maungatautari
Maungatautari Ecosanctuary is overflowing with tūī. They’re spilling over the predator proof fence into the surrounding community, according to an article just published in Notornis – the research journal of BirdsNZ. It’s great news for those who live near the sanctuary – especially those whose … [Read more...] about Tūī spill out from Maungatautari
Remembering Don Merton and a bird called ‘Old Blue’
Don Merton (1939-2011) was a passionate pioneer in the conservation of endangered birds. His work was recognised world-wide and for 30 years he worked with the kakapo recovery programme. But there was another, even rarer bird that he and his team brought back from the very brink of extinction – the … [Read more...] about Remembering Don Merton and a bird called ‘Old Blue’
National survey looks at ‘worldview’ and public attitudes to gene drive technologies
What do you know about gene drive technology? How do you feel about it? Would knowing more make you feel more supportive of gene drive as a future means of eradication? DNA strand. These were some of the questions posed in a recent study looking at public opinion towards gene drive and how it … [Read more...] about National survey looks at ‘worldview’ and public attitudes to gene drive technologies
Researchers surprised by petrel numbers on ‘refuge’ islands
A survey of 71 islands in southern Fiordland in the summer of 2017, by researchers from Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the Department of Conservation, found forty breeding colonies of three petrel species spread across 35 of those 71 islands, according to a report just published in … [Read more...] about Researchers surprised by petrel numbers on ‘refuge’ islands
New book tells story of ‘Disaster on Four Small Paws’
Dr Carolyn King has spent a lifetime studying New Zealand’s introduced mammalian predators and is recognised as an international expert on mustelids. Meticulous historical and scientific research, along with a lifetime of practical field experience come together in her latest book, Invasive … [Read more...] about New book tells story of ‘Disaster on Four Small Paws’