Conservation
Scientists gain insights into endangered bats at Pelorus
After five years, scientists have gained a better understanding of the population of long-tailed bats that live at the Pelorus River, between Nelson and Blenheim. Video
Plantain grass could help stop leaching into NZ waterways
It's a common and even unwelcome sight in lawns throughout New Zealand. But the tall stalks and black heads of plantain could help clean up the country's waterways, according to a dairy industry… Audio
DOC defends approach as bach owners feel 'pressured'
Fears are being raised about continued tenure of some family baches on conservation land.
Lyall Bay shark sighting: Scientist explains reasons behind prevalence
A scientist tracking the movements of great whites says New Zealanders are showing interest in the prevalence of sharks. Audio
Could keeping cats at home become New Zealand’s norm?
While it might be "unusual" for a council to ask people to stop their cats from roaming, a predator-free organisation says there are good reasons to do it.
'Sparrows chased away a falcon' - Sanctuary prepares to unleash rats to stop pest birds
A Waikato wetland is bringing in rats as a last resort to try to scare off half a million sparrows and starlings around pest-free Lake Rotopiko. Audio
Why we should consider banning pet parrots
Opinion - Birds sold in the pet trade are often colourful and charismatic creatures. But there are negative aspects of the pet trade that warrant a closer look.
West Coast kelp decline and marine heatwave under examination
The Department of Conservation is looking at the decline of 'old growth' kelp beds along the Coast Road and the effects of the marine heatwave on its five marine reserves on the West Coast.
From 'functionally extinct' to thriving: How the South Island kākā made a comeback in Abel Tasman National Park
Conservationists are celebrating the success of a wild kākā breeding programme at the top of the South Island. Audio
First wild kiwi egg laid in Wellington in over a century
The egg was produced by one of 11 North Island brown kiwi released into the wild last year. Audio
Green light for drone project tracking Māui dolphins
The Civil Aviation Authority has approved a project that aims to gather more precise data on the world's rarest dolphin.
Tracking Wellington's newly-released kiwi
We're checking in with Wellington's newly-released kiwi. Last November, for the first time in around 100 years, eleven North Island brown kiwi were released into the Makara hills after an ambitious… Audio
Southland's warm weather, lack of rain raises fears of water shortage
Water levels could recede to the point that normal water use might impact environmental health, officials are warning.
New species of New Zealand gecko hidden in plain sight
A new species of gecko has been lurking right under our noses, researchers say.
How to support native birds in your backyard
Around half of New Zealand households feed birds in their backyard. But mostly with bread and seeds, which won't attract our native manu. Dr Margaret Stanley shares tips for safely feeding… Audio
Oil spill at Timaru beach contained
Ten to 20 litres of oil were discharged from a stormwater outlet at Pātītī Point on Wednesday.
Aotearoa's Hidden History: The Father of NZ Conservation
The second episode in a six part series looking at some lesser known events and personalities in New Zealand's history. Today Thomas looks at Richard Henry, who laid the blueprint for the modern… Audio
Eradication efforts stepped up on previously predator-free Fiordland islands
The Department of Conservation is working to stamp out stoats on Chalky Island and rats on Resolution Island this summer.
Rare species of skink discovered after cat brings it to owner's attention
In a case of look what the cat dragged in, a rare native skink has been discovered in Taranaki for the first time and may even be a completely new species.
West Coast kelp beds disappearing
Repeated marine heatwaves have seen most 'old growth' kelp beds along the Coast Road between Greymouth and Westport disappear or dwindle in the past 20 years.
