Ecology

Ever spied a bird nest out on a walk? Some are quite complex constructions, delicately woven and expertly lined to keep their eggs safe. This week, Claire Concannon learns about bird nest design and… Audio

In the ever-shifting streams and channels of a braided river, creatures must adapt to change. Claire Concannon joins a researcher on the spectacular Cass River near Tekapo for a spot of electrofishing… Video, Audio

In braided rivers, shifting gravel and weaving water channels make for a complex and dynamic environment. But it's a habitat some species have adapted to – native fish like kōaro, and unique birds… Audio

Meet the winners of the 2022 Prime Minister's Science Prizes! We go behind the scenes with the Emerging Scientist, Science Teacher and Future Scientist winners to learn about cutting-edge research… Audio

As mountains get warmer with our changing climate, what will happen to the iconic alpine plants that live at high altitude? Claire Concannon visits the moonscape slopes of Mt Ruapehu with a team of… Audio

What will happen to our iconic alpine plants in a warmer and wetter world? Claire Concannon visits Mt Ruapehu with a research team investigating the future for mountain flora. Audio

This week, Claire Concannon returns to the Noises Islands in the Hauraki Gulf. While conservation action on the islands has led to thriving terrestrial ecosystems, under the water, it's a very… Audio

Claire Concannon visits the Noises Islands in the Hauraki Gulf, where conservation efforts on land have created a haven for native wildlife. Under the water, however, it's a very different story. Can… Audio

The Noises are a conservation success story in the Hauraki Gulf. Claire Concannon joins a team surveying the wētāpunga, seabirds, and other flora and fauna that now thrive on these predator-free… Audio

Claire Concannon joins a research team on the Noises Islands in the Hauraki Gulf to check up on its bird residents. How are the birds faring on these predator-free havens? Audio

In a room in the Manaaki Whenua building in Auckland are rows and rows of shelves, with cardboard boxes containing an array of weird and wonderful dried fungi. Claire Concannon visits to learn how and… Audio

Edin Whitehead inherited a love of birds from her father and became captivated by the majesty of seabirds on a trip to the Subantarctic Islands. Now a PhD student at the University of Auckland, she is… Audio

Edin Whitehead is a PhD student at the University of Auckland researching how best to help the birds of the Hauraki Gulf, who are facing many threats, including warming waters.  Audio

Are you planning to mow the lawn over Waitangi weekend? You might want to rethink your plans after listening Dr Bruce Burns, a plant ecologist at the University of Auckland. He says it's time to… Audio

As housing intensification increases in many New Zealand towns and cities, University of Auckland ecologist Dr Margaret Stanley says retaining mature trees is key to having liveable cities, and… Audio

Environmental groups are urging New Zealanders to tackle the invasive moth plant now. Areas. Annette Mitchell is a member of the Upper Waitemata Ecology Network and the Environmental Weed Coalition… Audio

Farmers, growers and regional authorities in the South Island are reporting large numbers of rabbits this year. Responsiblity for pest control falls to property owners under bylaws, and if a regional… Audio

Katy Gosset speaks to a PhD student designing new tech to catch predators and Claire Concannon meets the team who are working to restore a unique landscape on the South Island's West Coast. Audio

An Australian study recently published in the journal Trends in Ecology & Evolution has shown some animals' body shapes are adapting and changing to cope with climate change. Sara Ryding of Deakin… Audio

How do you find a tiny robin in a whole lot of forest? Researchers have been tracking the movements of forty North Island robins, or toutouwai, that have been reintroduced to a large reserve area near… Audio