ScienceNZ: Fauna

Moa research takes big step forward

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:34:07 GMT

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

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:48:54 GMT

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.

Bone find shows largest dinosaur lived in NZ

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:03:05 GMT

A fossil hunter has discovered that one of the largest known dinosaurs, a titanosaurid, almost certainly roamed New Zealand about 80 million years ago.

A gnawing question answered?

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:59:40 GMT

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.

Are our common bird populations increasing or declining?

Wed, 21 May 2008 02:54:26 GMT

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

Wed, 14 May 2008 21:37:55 GMT

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.

Iconic native species takes important first foothold

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:12:57 GMT

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.

NZ Great White shark sets new distance record

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 20:57:51 GMT

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.

Scientists breed varroa 'resistant' bees

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:45:47 GMT

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.

Anenome discovered in bioblitz could be a new species

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 19:28:24 GMT

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

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 22:14:06 GMT

Landcare Research scientists in Auckland have developed DNA techniques to help identify which wildlife killers have been dining out on other species.

100,000 NZ creatures unknown or unclassified

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 03:22:34 GMT

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.

Wellington's Wandering Weta

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 23:35:05 GMT

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.

Orange-flavoured vitamin gel brings bitter end to possums

Thu, 17 May 2007 06:42:53 GMT

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.

Possum field trials a success

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 04:35:45 GMT

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.

On the scent of the clover root weevil

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 04:27:51 GMT

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

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 21:52:33 GMT

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.

Possum in a pickle

Sun, 29 Oct 2006 23:02:32 GMT

A recent trip to the UK to present breakthrough research in possum biocontrol led to an unlikely meeting for AgResearch scientist Dr Gail Shuttleworth.

Houdini-like moth gets a new name

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 04:51:40 GMT

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.

Pest-free exclosure more prison than paradise for rats

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 04:39:50 GMT

Landcare Research scientists released ship rats fitted with transmitters into an exclosure at Maungatautari near Cambridge, to study how the rats would behave.