Yolanda Van Heezik
What role does our garden play in biodiversity?
University of Otago urban ecologist Professor Yolanda van Heezik recently led a research team focused on the role private gardens can play in contributing to biodiversity. Professor van Heezik is with… Audio
The Panel with Zoe George and Mark Knoff-Thomas (Part 2)
Panellists Zoe George and Mark Knoff-Thomas on national cat legislation, Zoi Sadowski-Synnott going for gold again and a UK school going meat-free. Audio
Surviving magpie dive-bombing season
Don't be surprised if you witness -- or are victim to -- a magpie dive bombing someone in the coming weeks. (Thanks, Australia.) It's nesting season and the time-honoured tradition of magpies swooping… Audio
Zoologists call for beach closures to protect wildlife
Zoologists are calling for seasonal beach closures to protect our wildlife. This follows research from an Otago University study showing a closed Dunedin beach during breeding season was beneficial… Audio
Lockdown and our Relationship with Nature
One of the interesting results of the lockdown is that many of us have had the time to walk in our neighbourhoods and suburbs and notice the birds and natural environment around us. Professors Phil… Audio
Older adults need more nature in their lives
Spending more time among nature helps the body and mind, but as we age our mobility starts to decline, and this can make it harder for older people to get to these places. Audio
Our relationship with urban green spaces
Otago University science communication student Karthic Sivanandham investigates urban nature and how we relate to it. Audio
Native species in our backyard
The only way to see many of our native animals is at a national park or a protected island. But what if we could see kiwi or tuatara in our backyard? That's the vision of academics at the University… Audio
The state of our native birds
Yolanda van Heezik of the University of Otago talks about a new report which brings distressing news on the state of our native birds. Audio
Dunedin Garden Study
A botanist, planner, zoologist and entomologist collaborated in a survey of Dunedin gardens to find out how well native biodiversity fares in cities Audio
Urban Ecology in Dunedin
Nature in cities has value for both plants and animals, and people, and is an increasing focus for ecological research Audio