News

80 Duvaucel's gecko released in Tawharanui Open Sanctuary

Submitted by shelley.fischer on Wed, 21/12/2016 - 20:54

Visitors to the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary now have the chance to see Duvaucel's gecko in the wild.

A team of scientists and volunteers, including our president Chris Wedding and members Manuela Barry and Nick Harker, have re-introduced 80 Duvaucel's gecko into the park. A ten year monitoring programme has been set up to track the post-release success of Duvaucel's gecko, as well as to monitor their impact on other resident geckos.

$28 Million for 'Predator free by 2050 program'

Submitted by shelley.fischer on Sat, 30/07/2016 - 13:40

National have announced a new joint venture project called 'Predator free by 2050'.

An excerpt from the National Party news release:

New Zealand to be Predator Free by 2050

Monday, July 25, 2016 - 15:30
Rt Hon John Key
Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key has today announced the Government has adopted the goal of New Zealand becoming Predator Free by 2050.

Venomous yellow bellied sea snakes found on Taranaki Shores

Submitted by shelley.fischer on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 14:40

Three venomous yellow bellied sea snakes have now been found on Taranaki Shores.

Yellow bellied sea snakes have now been seen this year on Tapuae Estate Beach, New Plymouth's Back Beach and Patea river. The species are classified as a New Zealand native, visiting our shores sporadically. The venoumous species are distinctive with a yellow belly contrasting with a dark back and paddle shaped tail. DOC recommend that anyone encountering one should stay at a safe distance, take a photo and report the sighting to DOC.

Full articles in stuff.co.nz:

Rare Coromandel striped geckos recently released

Submitted by shelley.fischer on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 14:21

A pair of rare Coromandel striped geckos were recently released in the Driving Creek Wildlife Sanctuary on the Coromandel Peninsular.

One of our highly experienced members, Doug Ashby, cared for the animals for the past 6 years collecting valuable information about this rare and enigmatic species.

The Department of Conservation welcome any sightings and photos of the species. Contact Rob Chappell on 0274750982 or email rchappell@doc.govt.nz

Extension for comments: Outside In

Submitted by shelley.fischer on Thu, 30/07/2015 - 22:14

The Department of Conservation have extended the timeframe for comments until August 26 2015. For more information on the outside in process (review of widlife, research and collection authorisations) please see the DOC website.

Members are encouraged to provide their comments to DOC on the review of wildlife, research and collection authorisation process (outside in). An extension has been given till the 26th of August 2015.