Birds
Science news: Bird maps and genes that heal
We're one step closer to understanding birds' amazing powers of navigation thanks to new research, and a DNA editing tool helps to identify the genes responsible for successful cancer therapy. Audio
One-dog proposal raises hackles in Far North
The district council is facing strong opposition over its one-dog-per-household proposal to protect threatened native birds.
A genetic helping hand for conservation
Four scientists talk about genetics and how it can help in the conservation of rare birds such as little spotted kiwi. Audio
Southern island sanctuary for rare birds
Putauhinu, one of the southern Tītī Islands, has become a remarkable rat-free sanctuary, gifting rare land birds to other islands. Video, Audio, Gallery
Andrew Digby - Kakapo cursed with crusty bum
Andrew Digby is the science advisor for the kakapo and takahe recovery programmes with the Department of Conservation. He is responsible for coordinating and leading the diverse scientific research… Audio
80% of NZ native birds in trouble
Eighty percent of New Zealand's native bird species are in trouble, with some teetering on the brink of extinction, according to a new report from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment… Audio
Our native birds are in trouble
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has released a hard hitting report into the state of our country's native birds. Audio
Kororā
Listen to the world's smallest penguin, found on most of Aotearoa's coastline and known by many of their human neighbours for their interesting mating call. Audio
$10k reward draws 'Grey Ghost' sightings, recordings
The promise of $10,000 for proof of a South Island kōkako, long thought extinct, has attracted recordings and more than 50 possible sightings. Audio
Squawk Squad - Fraser McConnell & Alex Hannon
Squawk Squad is a start up which was born in a competition in Auckland last year and is going strong. The winning formula means that the public can join the fight in protecting native birds from… Audio
Kawau tūi
Listen to the little black shag, a gregarious species that forage co-operatively, herding and encircling shoals of small fish. Audio
Toutouwai return to Taranaki after more than 100 years
Dozens of iwi members, Department of Conservation staff and volunteers were on Mt Taranaki yesterday when the toutouwai or robin, which was last seen in Egmont National Park in 1905, was reintroduced… Audio
Rediscovered - the New Zealand storm petrel
The Northern New Zealand Seabird Trust has been trying to solve the many mysteries of our smallest seabird, the New Zealand storm petrel, which breeds on Hauturu / Little Barrier Island. Audio, Gallery
Dangerous Song
Australian instrument maker, musician and composer Linsey Pollak and vocalist Lizzie O’Keefe blend the sounds of endangered or extinct animals and birds – including the Kokako - and sounds from the… Audio
Critter of the week: The Karaka Kakariki
DoC's endangered species ambassador, Nicola Toki tells us about Orange Fronted Parakeets or karaka kakariki - one of five parakeets native to NZ. Audio
Free as a bird
The Wildlife Veterinary Trust in Christchurch has established a small hospital dedicated to treating and rehabilitating sick and injured wild birds. Audio
Yellowhammer dialects found in NZ
A new study reveals that a type of native birdsong, now lost in Britain, can still be heard here in New Zealand after being brought here 150 years ago. Audio
The Great Outdoors - Peter Langlands
Conservationist, forager, angler and former fisheries observer Peter Langlands talks about the many threats to our lakes and waterways. Lynn Freeman asked the Cantabrian how the earthquakes affected… Audio, Gallery
Kaikora's Banded Dotterels
The Banded Dotterels who've made their home in Kaikoura have had a rough time of it in the last few years, despite having some dedicated guardian angels trying to save them. The little shore bird with… Audio, Gallery
Why are our seabirds eating plastic?
Loads of plastic rubbish finds its way into the sea every year and seabirds are hunting it out and eating it, fooled into thinking it's food by the way it smells. Matt Savoca of the University of… Audio
