Approximately one-third of New Zealand’s islands are now free of all invasive mammals. Could Auckland Island be next? Predator control and eradication operations are often carried out in winter – when predators are hungry and uptake of bait likely to be greater. But when it comes to … [Read more...] about Would summer eradication of rodents work for Auckland Island?
Success stories
Near-barren island transformed to harbour sanctuary
Matakohe - Limestone Island in Whangarei Harbour, was once the site of Matakohe pa, with extensive kumara gardens. Later ‘Limestone Island’ was home to a cement works, one of the earliest industrial sites in Whangarei and founded in 1856. Then, after the cement works was abandoned, limestone was … [Read more...] about Near-barren island transformed to harbour sanctuary
Future conservation role possible for urban lizard gardens
City dwellers and urban lizard gardens could play a significant role in future skink and gecko conservation in New Zealand, according to research just published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning. Turning part of your garden into some desirable reptile real estate could really make a … [Read more...] about Future conservation role possible for urban lizard gardens
Video logger films at-sea foraging of yellow-eyed penguin
A male yellow-eyed penguin from Boulder Beach on the Otago Peninsula, recently became a video star for researchers Thomas Mattern, Michael McPherson, Ursula Ellenberg, Yolanda van Heezik and Philipp Seddon, who were investigating the use of high definition video loggers to study marine wildlife. … [Read more...] about Video logger films at-sea foraging of yellow-eyed penguin
Breeding season underway for yellow-eyed penguins – 2019 Bird of the Year
It's 'all go' for yellow-eyed penguins - 2019 Bird of the Year - and those who help protect them. ‘Penguin Season’ is underway in Otago and Southland as staff and volunteers from the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust search for this year’s nests in North Otago, Otago Peninsula and the Catlins. Trust … [Read more...] about Breeding season underway for yellow-eyed penguins – 2019 Bird of the Year
Dual 1080 application could be key to possum and rat eradication
Dual 1080 operations - would two toxin applications a few weeks apart work better than one? Possibly, if a few other conditions are also met. Currently, aerial 1080 drops are used to control introduced predators, but not expected to totally eliminate them. Aerial 1080 application is used to knock … [Read more...] about Dual 1080 application could be key to possum and rat eradication
Latest schools to join our PF Schools programme
From Northland to Southland, in big and small towns and cities, schools across Aotearoa are putting up their hands to be kaitiaki of their playgrounds and local environments. Meet the 20 latest Predator Free Schools and find out how they intend to protect our native wildlife. We now have 51 … [Read more...] about Latest schools to join our PF Schools programme
Predator Free Whiriwhiri forms to halt return of possums and rats
When software developer, Andy Saunders, returned from the UK a few years ago, he bought a property in Whiriwhiri, a stone’s throw from where he grew up in North West Waikato. Andy Saunders with some of the local Rat Rangers (and Louie the beagle.) The trees beyond have resident long tailed … [Read more...] about Predator Free Whiriwhiri forms to halt return of possums and rats
Wildlife habitats lost as land clearances continue
Ecologically significant vegetation and habitat on private land is being lost at a rate comparable to pre-1840 deforestation, according to a study by Landcare Research scientists, Adrian Monks, Ella Hayman and Susan Walker. Their analysis of vegetation clearances over 27 years from 1989 to 2015 has … [Read more...] about Wildlife habitats lost as land clearances continue
Southland couple committed to helping children learn about nature
It’s been 6 years since Southland Community Nursery near Invercargill, opened its Education Centre and in that time thousands of people – particularly school children – have visited the property, explored the restoration area via the gravel tracks, learnt about local native plants and discovered a … [Read more...] about Southland couple committed to helping children learn about nature