Unbeknown to most Aucklanders, fernbirds and banded rails are living only 9km from their city centre. But Jeremy Painting has discovered that rats in ‘plague’ proportions are threatening nesting success. He tells his story... Although situated only 9km from downtown Auckland and tucked on the … [Read more...] about Rat plague threatens wetlands birds at Harbourview
Success stories
Rats – are they gastropod gourmets?
Rats are quick and nimble. Snails... not so much. So our native snails are very much at the mercy of introduced rats, should rats choose to eat them. What’s more, there are a surprisingly large number of native snail species to protect. New Zealand has, in fact, one of the most species-rich … [Read more...] about Rats – are they gastropod gourmets?
Milson Scouts take up the PF challenge
The Milson Scout troop of Palmerston North has taken up the challenge. After an inspiring talk a couple of weeks ago by Horizons Regional Councillor, Rachel Keedwell, the 30 scouts, aged 10-14, have built their own trap tunnels, fitted traps and made a start towards making their community rat … [Read more...] about Milson Scouts take up the PF challenge
Landcare Research takes to the tree tops in latest possum research
Landcare Research scientists have published some fascinating research recently looking at the damage possums do the forest canopy and the surprisingly long time it takes for larger trees to recover. The first paper was published in Ecology and Evolution earlier this year and full access is freely … [Read more...] about Landcare Research takes to the tree tops in latest possum research
Tree traps – a good alternative?
By Bryce Buckland (Birdlife on Grampians, Nelson). Trapping groups like to know that their efforts achieve the best results protecting native birdlife. For smaller pests like rats, most groups use the standard box trap with a Victor Professional trap inside. You know what you catch, but tracking … [Read more...] about Tree traps – a good alternative?
Predator Free Wellington – the momentum gathers…
The momentum is growing and we’re super excited about it! Wellington has just announced its plans to be the world’s first predator-free capital. Go Wellington! The NEXT Foundation, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Wellington City Council are banding together to lead the initiative, but they … [Read more...] about Predator Free Wellington – the momentum gathers…
Goats, stoats and possum-fur coats: it’s carnage out there
Guest blog by Peter Heath It’s dead. Very dead, judging by the stench and the smooshed appearance of the remains – all fur, bones and black-brown gloopy stuff. A possum, maybe? A rabbit? “It’s not just townies,” Simon says, smiling at my obvious disgust. “There’s plenty of debate among … [Read more...] about Goats, stoats and possum-fur coats: it’s carnage out there
What about the rabbits?
If we knock back ferrets and feral cats will rabbit numbers soar? It is a concern that’s frequently raised, particularly in farming areas where rabbit control is already an issue. As rabbits are the main prey of ferrets and feral cats, it seems intuitively logical that rabbits will thrive without … [Read more...] about What about the rabbits?
BRaid needs YOU!
Calling all Cantabrians and Southlanders – and any other South Islanders living near or exploring the region’s many braided river systems: rare and endangered river birds will be returning to the shingle river ‘islands’ to nest over the coming weeks. BRaid (Braided River Aid) is asking recreational … [Read more...] about BRaid needs YOU!
Grant Norbury – testing potential predator control techniques
A week or two ago, Alexandra-based Landcare Research scientist Grant Norbury found himself alone in the middle of the remote Mackenzie country, syringe in hand, squirting Vaseline onto rocks. He had to laugh. “It’s such a weird way to protect dotterels,” he says. Yes it is. But weirdness … [Read more...] about Grant Norbury – testing potential predator control techniques