Fauna
New Thinking
Bone find shows largest dinosaur lived in NZ
A fossil hunter has discovered that one of the largest known dinosaurs, a titanosaurid, almost certainly roamed New Zealand about 80 million years ago.
Are our common bird populations increasing or declining?
Just two native species featured in the top 10 birds counted during New Zealand’s first nationwide Garden Bird Survey.
Cicadas can be key biodiversity indicators
In a world first, the entire cicada fauna of a country is fully detailed and on a free website. Landcare Research says our tiny summer chirrupers include 42 natives, with a vital bidoiversity role.
100,000 NZ creatures unknown or unclassified
More than 100,000 New Zealand animal species remain undiscovered or unclassified, but NIWA principal biodiversity scientist Dennis Gordon said finding and identifying them was painfully slow.
Possum in a pickle
A recent trip to the UK to present breakthrough research in possum biocontrol led to an unlikely meeting for AgResearch scientist Dr Gail Shuttleworth.
Local researcher has say in naming the world’s animals
A Kiwi scientist has become the first from this country to be elected onto the world body that resolves disputes about animal names ...
New Science
Feathers help reconstruct moa
Researchers from the University of Adelaide and Landcare Research in New Zealand have identified four different moa species after retrieving ancient DNA from moa feathers believed to be at least 2500 years old.
Moa research takes big step forward
Landcare Research scientists Dr Jamie Wood and Dr Janet Wilmshurst along with Professor Alan Cooper and Mr Trevor Worthy at the University of Adelaide aim to learn more of the diets of moa and other large extinct birds and the effect their snacking had on our ecology
Scientists try new Tb-control ideas
Landcare Research scientists will trial new pest-control methods in Marlborough this spring which may pave the way for a dramatic reduction in 1080-poison use in New Zealand.
A gnawing question answered?
Radiocarbon dating of Pacific rat (kiore) bones and rat–gnawed native seeds have provided compelling new evidence into the timing of New Zealand´s colonisation.
NZ Great White shark sets new distance record
A 4.4 metre female great white shark has set a new distance record for a New Zealand shark by swimming over 3000km to the tropical waters of the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Anenome discovered in bioblitz could be a new species
A tiny, many-tentacled anemone discovered by NIWA scientist Malcolm Francis the Marine Bioblitz at Island Bay may be a previously undiscovered species.
DNA tracks pests on most-wanted list
Landcare Research scientists in Auckland have developed DNA techniques to help identify which wildlife killers have been dining out on other species.
Wellington's Wandering Weta
Miniature transmitters weighing just one gram were fitted to Cook Strait Giant Weta transferred to Karori Sanctuary enabling the animals to be studied for 50 days. Some of the findings were surprising.
Possum field trials a success
A new threat to possums is on the horizon, with the successful release of genetically marked parasites in a field trial at Kahurangi National Park at the top of the South Island.
Houdini-like moth gets a new name
No longer 'Fred the Thread', a mystery moth discovered by Landcare Research that grows from what may be the world's skinniest caterpillar has received its new scientific name. It lives only on a threatened native plant, putting its future at risk.
New Value
Karori perch pests successfully culled
Electro-fishing and netting have successfully reduced perch numbers in a conservation safe haven.
Iconic native species takes important first foothold
Hamiltonians could soon be hearing a more exciting morning chorus.Scientists from Landcare Research have discovered what they believe is the first tui chick to hatch and fledge within the city for several decades.
Scientists breed varroa 'resistant' bees
A sustainable and cost-effective tool to control the varroa mite may soon be available to New Zealand beekeepers thanks to the efforts of scientists at the Crown Research Institute, HortResearch.
Orange-flavoured vitamin gel brings bitter end to possums
An orange-flavoured green gel with a calcium kick and a bitter aftertaste has proved delicious but deadly for possums. 'No Possums' was developed through a collaboration between Landcare Research, the Animal Health Board and Christchurch company Kiwicare Corporation.
On the scent of the clover root weevil
AgResearch's Lincoln-based scientists are hot on the scent of odours that will attract and ultimately trap the clover root weevil - a major clover pasture pest.
Outsider soars to lead Top 10 plant list
A rank outsider has come from nowhere to top the vote for New Zealand’s Top 10 native plants. Number one was rautini, the rare Chatham Island Christmas tree. The winner was announced by Landcare Research chairman Rob Fenwick.
