Tuhoe researchers recently joined other scientists in evaluating naturally occurring toxins in native plants. Could one of those toxins provide a culturally acceptable alternative to existing rodenticides? The results of their study have just been published in the New Zealand Journal of … [Read more...] about Native plants show potential as future rat toxins
Success stories
Hot News from the Cold South: An update on Maukahuka Pest Free Auckland Island
As 2019 ends, so does the feasibility stage of the Maukahuka Pest Free Auckland Island project. This ambitious project proposes to eradicate pigs, mice and cats from Auckland Island (46,000 ha), the largest island in New Zealand’s World Heritage listed Subantarctic region. This is a significant … [Read more...] about Hot News from the Cold South: An update on Maukahuka Pest Free Auckland Island
Video camera study reveals rare birds in ruru diet
The ruru (morepork) is a predator – but it’s certainly not on the ‘predator-free’ hit list. Those slots are just for introduced mammal predators which haven’t co-evolved with our vulnerable native species. Ruru do prey on other native wildlife however, including endangered species, as a recent study … [Read more...] about Video camera study reveals rare birds in ruru diet
Lance Richdale – first protector of albatross at Taiaroa Head
The world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross – at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula – might not exist at all if it weren’t for one man. His name was Lance Richdale. Lance Richdale weighs the first albatross chick to successfully fledge at Taiaroa Head, 23 April 1938. … [Read more...] about Lance Richdale – first protector of albatross at Taiaroa Head
Kaikoura red-billed gull study reveals predator impacts over 52 years
If you park up at the beach with a feed of fish and chips it can seem like red-billed gulls are common and thriving. But 52 years’ worth of observations and monitoring data from New Zealand’s biggest gull breeding colony on the Kaikoura Peninsula tells a somewhat different story. Mammal predators … [Read more...] about Kaikoura red-billed gull study reveals predator impacts over 52 years
Would summer eradication of rodents work for Auckland Island?
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?
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