Department of Conservation

Tag: Department of Conservation

Restoration Allows Megapodes to Return Home

Palauan megapodes are returned to their home on the island of Ngeanges following a restoration project. By: Tommy Hall The first ever successful captive holding program for Palauan Megapodes has concluded with a release of the birds to their home, Ngeanges Island. The success of the captive holding program is a major milestone for the […]

Written by on July 25, 2017

Detection Dogs Aid Conservation

Man’s best friends aid in conservation efforts around the world. Detection dogs help biologists to quickly identify and evaluate the presence of invasive species on an island. Two islands off the coast of New Zealand had a recent invasive species scare in December. Mana and Matiu Somes Islands have been pest-free for over a decade, […]

Written by on March 7, 2017

Unexpected Nests Signal Hope for Mohua

Conservationists celebrate discovery of Mohua breeding pairs on Blumine Island, NZ. On a small island off the coast of New Zealand, bird enthusiasts and conservation biologists have just received a welcomed surprise. The Endangered Mohua, also known as a yellowhead, lives in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world. Just recently, it has been […]

Written by on January 25, 2017

South Island Takahē Makes Big Comeback from Near Extinction

Endangered Takahē, a native bird of New Zealand, is experiencing a much-needed population boost thanks to conservation efforts.  The South Island Takahē was believed to be extinct for fifty years before it was found surviving in Fiordland’s Murchison mountains in 1948. The flightless bird faced threats from competing and predatory invasive species. Now, thanks to […]

Written by on December 15, 2016

What are the Antipodes Islands really like?

Remote and inhospitable, the Antipodes Islands are located in sub-antarctic waters south of New Zealand. Island Conservation Project Director Richard Griffiths describes his vision of the Antipodes and why he is excited to help protect them. My personal image of the Antipodes Islands, derived from photographs but recolored by my imagination, is a windswept tussock landscape […]

Written by on April 5, 2016