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Island Conservation
The Little Spotted Kiwi was once the most abundant species of kiwi in New Zealand, but the introduction of invasive species and anthropological activities have changed their fate forever. Kiwi’s are flightless, nocturnal birds native to New Zealand. The Little Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx owenii) was once the most common of the five kiwi species. Due to the introduction of invasive species, habitat […]
Ongoing biosecurity measures have protected the Bay of Islands for 10 years and ensured that no invasive species establish a population which would threaten native wildlife. New Zealand is no stranger to the threat invasive species pose to island wildlife. In fact, New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 initiative is aimed at preventing extinction through the […]
The Abel Tasman Islands are now free of invasive predators so native wildlife can now rest easy. In a huge conservation win, three of the Abel Tasman Islands have been officially declared free of invasive predators. Invasive rats have previously posed a threat to a number of native bird species found on the islands including […]
New conservation efforts on Auckland Island, New Zealand aim to restore native flora and fauna. The Sub-antarctic Islands of New Zealand have historically been home to a wide array of native seabirds and other wildlife that thrive off of the nutrient-rich waters. Auckland Island (46,000 Ha) is the fifth largest island in New Zealand. One of the leading threats to the species found here is introduction […]
Two species of New Zealand’s rails reveal the inherent threats island species face after thousands of years of predator-free evolution. Island species are well known for having unusual traits. Amongst them are flightless, nocturnal birds, giant insects, and species that take decades to mature. But how can a difference in evolutionary time periods affect these […]
Watch the transformation of Antipodes Island as the New Zealand Department of Conservation shares the complexities and successes of the Million Dollar Mouse Project. On the Sub-antarctic Island of Antipodes, invasive mice were the only introduced predators and their presence was considered by conservationists and researchers to be a threat to native and endemic species. […]
Pest control is saving more than just the Kiwi: species that haven’t been seen for years are reappearing in New Zealand’s forests. Ann Graeme shares inspiring stories of native birds, plants, and insects that have returned after community conservation for a different species – “The Lazarus Effect.” By: Ann Graeme It rained in the night. My pack […]
The Million Dollar Mouse confirmation team, including three detection dogs, heads off to Antipodes in hopes of finding a mouse-free island. The monitoring team met at the Southern Island Quarantine Store, where our gear including personal gear, monitoring equipment and food, was quarantined by DOC staff. The team comprises 7 staff monitoring for mice and […]
Dr. Andy Sheppard, Research Director at Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s Health & Biosecurity for the Managing Invasive Species & Disease Program, joins Nightlife host Suzanne Hill to discuss invasive species management in Australia, New Zealand, and on islands around the world. Since the European colonization of Australia, invasive species have been spread […]
Uninhabited islands in New Zealand, such as Tiritiri Matangi, are offering wildlife the protection they need to thrive. Just hop on a 75-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, New Zealand and you will end up on an unspoiled island home to 87 different species of birds. Tiritiri Matangi is one of several of New Zealand’s […]