Category: Department of Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  13 November 2023

Mahi Aroha, presented by Project Tongariro and Department of Conservation, offers a range of nature-based experiences for the whole family – with bookings open now for January’s programme of events.

Project Tongariro Chief Executive Officer Kiri Te Wano says Mahi Aroha is all about loving our backyard.

“We live in an incredible space in the Central Plateau; these trips and events are encouraging us all to get out and appreciate it.”

Community groups across the region have joined DOC and Project Tongariro to provide a calendar of nearly 30 events from Taupō to Ohakune, and everywhere in between.

Around the Taupō area, the always popular Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary tours are joined by other exciting activities including family-friendly nature tours at Waipāhīhī Botanical Gardens and Opepe Historic Reserve.

Further south, fit walkers can climb Mount Tihia for stunning views across Lake Taupō and Tongariro National Park; or for those who prefer to enjoy nature in a more sedentary manner, join artist Sue Graham for guided nature-themed watercolour classes at Tūrangi Artworks.

Tongariro National Park and surrounds offer opportunities for those interested in history, culture, and nature. Visit heritage listed Kaikawaka Villa in Tongariro Forest, meet mana whenua to explore Te Pōrere and its 1869 battle, or enjoy a picnic at Paengaroa Scenic Reserve while learning about the array of fascinating plants in the park.

DOC Community Ranger Candace Graham says research confirms that contact with nature helps our wellbeing.

“Mahi Aroha makes it easy for all of us to get a little more nature in our summer.

We have so many beautiful natural spaces across the Central North Island, this is a great way to experience them with friends and whānau.”

Kiri Te Wano encourages people to visit the website to see the full programme of events.

“We can’t list them all here – there are big tramps and little walks, avoidance training for dogs, and so much more – we can’t wait to see you all out there this January.”

Popular events book out quickly – book your summer experience early at Mahi Aroha – Project Tongariro.

Background information

Project Tongariro

Project Tongariro is a community group with a vision to enjoy, discover, know, and care for Tongariro, Taupō, and the Central Plateau. The group was initially formed as a living tribute to five people, mostly rangers, who died in a helicopter accident on Mt Ruapehu in 1982. Project Tongariro has maintained a close and collaborative relationship with the Department of Conservation since its inception.

Mahi Aroha

The Central North Island area has boasted a summer programme of nature-related trips and events since 1964; it is the longest running programme of its kind in New Zealand.
Bookings for 2024 can be made at Mahi Aroha – Project Tongariro. 

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  13 November 2023

Clinton Duffy, DOC Marine Technical Advisor, says recreational fishers and others out on the water can make a significant contribution to research through reporting sightings and accidental catches.

“I’m very interested in what the public has seen – and usually they’re keen to identify an unusual creature too. All photos, videos and reports help build a better understanding of our rare and protected fishes, including rays, and sharks.

“We encourage people to take a few photos, full length shots and also of any defining features like fins, jaws and teeth, and details of the colour pattern. The exact location the fish was spotted or caught is useful too”, says Clinton.

Certain fish species are protected because they are naturally uncommon and therefore at greater risk of extinction than other fishes.

“Factors that make them naturally uncommon can include being slow to mature, which means they must survive a longer time before they can reproduce or having a slow reproduction cycle or a low number of offspring,” says Clinton.

There are nine fish species that are protected in New Zealand; five sharks, two rays, and two grouper.

While fishers are not allowed to target these species it’s not illegal to accidentally catch a protected fish. If you do catch one, you must release it as quickly as possible and take care not to cause it further harm, and you must report the capture to DOC. If the fish dies or is found dead, DOC may request you bring it back to shore and provide it to DOC so samples can be taken to support research.

“Spotting an uncommonly seen species would be an amazing fishing story to tell. The basking shark for example, has hardly been seen in our waters since the late 1990s. I’d be thrilled to get a report of one,” says Clinton.

DOC has a set of protected species identification guides on its website to help identify sea life, plus a protected species handling guide to assist recreational fishers to safely release marine life back to the water.

The public can report sightings, captures and strandings to DOC:

• anonymously via the Protected Species Catch App
• by emailing sharks@doc.govt.nz
• by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Background

There are nine protected fish species under the Wildlife Act.

• Five sharks: basking shark, great white shark, oceanic whitetip, smalltooth sandtiger (deepwater nurse shark), whale shark.
• Two rays: spine-tailed devil ray, giant manta ray.
• Two bony fishes: giant grouper (Queensland grouper), spotted black grouper.

Learn more about these species in our Conservation blog post.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  07 November 2023

To build up knowledge of this threatened fish, environmental DNA (eDNA) research and finely tuned pheromone sampling has taken place in selected catchments around the country.

DOC Freshwater Technical Advisor Dr Chris Kavazos says five previously unknown lamprey locations were revealed in the Taiari catchment, in Otago, as part of joint research this year with the Jobs for Nature Te Nukuroa o Matamata project team.

“Finding more evidence of lamprey is a huge win. They’re a taonga species, a source of mahinga kai for Māori, and they’re real survivors, with traits reminiscent of our earlier ancestors.

“Lamprey split off from our evolutionary chain more than 360 million years ago so, unlike virtually every other species of vertebrates, they didn’t evolve a jaw. Instead, they have a powerful ‘sucker’ full of tiny teeth. They even use their sucker mouth to climb steep waterfalls.

“However, lamprey face the same pressures as other freshwater fish, such as loss of habitat, pollution, and extreme weather events resulting from climate change.

“They used to be plentiful across the country, and there are stories of massive harvests in the past. Now they are classified as Threatened-Nationally Vulnerable.”

Finding where the secretive lamprey spawn is a big part of the battle to protect them.

Lamprey larvae give off tiny amounts of a pheromone called petromyzonol sulphate while they’re feeding. Having spent most of their adulthood at sea, lamprey follow these pheromones and are directed to streams with good habitat for breeding and for young fish to grow.

NIWA Principal Scientist Dr Cindy Baker has developed a method to detect the pheromone, even in miniscule amounts.

“We can detect the chemical in the femtomolar range, which is a concentration of around 5g (one teaspoon) in 580,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.”

DOC rangers already had indications of possible spawning streams using eDNA. To get specific locations, samplers were put in streams for three weeks, where molecules of the pheromone accumulated. Cindy then extracted the pheromone and determined the amount present, which in turn identified how popular the stream is with lamprey.

DOC’s freshwater rangers around the country surveyed their local areas, covering streams in Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast, Otago, Wairarapa and Taranaki.

The results of these surveys will help to DOC to make decisions on the best ways to protect and restore lamprey populations and their habitats.

Background information

Te Nukuroa o Matamata

Te Nukuroa o Matamata is a Jobs for Nature project delivered by Te Rūnaka ō Ōtakou. The project focuses on restoring the Taiari catchment through improving water quality and seeking to reverse the negative effects of drainage, development and adverse land use practices. Biodiversity enhancement is happening in the catchment through a range of wetland, river and riparian habitat restoration, including matauranga Māori to empower kaitiakitanga.

Lamprey

Lamprey are born upriver and spend the next three to four years in our waterways as juveniles. When they turn into adults, they travel down to the ocean where they hitch a ride on larger fish or whales and lead a parasitic lifestyle for several years. They then swim back upstream and respond to pheromone cues released by lamprey larvae to ensure they return to waterways with the proper nesting habitat they require. Once paired with a mate, they will spawn and guard the eggs from predators. The adults die a few months after spawning.

Lamprey are secretive and can be very hard to spot. They often hide during the day under logs or large rocks, or burrow into streambeds, with juveniles venturing out at night to feed, and adults moving around also mostly at night (adults don’t feed at all once they return to freshwater after their marine phase).

Lamprey have several Māori names. They’re known mostly as kanakana in the South Island and piharau in the North Island.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  06 November 2023

The bellbird-sized taonga species, also known as the orange-fronted parakeet, was first released into the sanctuary in November 2021. 125 captive-raised birds have been released there to date.

DOC Kākāriki Karaka Operations Manager Wayne Beggs says a recent survey — which played kākāriki calls to attract the birds — recorded about 170 kākāriki, although some of these may have been repeat encounters with the same individual.

“Almost all the birds we saw are the offspring of those originally released into the sanctuary, identifiable because they don’t have any coloured bands around their legs.

“We knew the kākāriki had been breeding well in the sanctuary, but this survey went beyond what we anticipated or hoped for. It’s a really positive sign this is good habitat for kākāriki karaka to thrive.

“Conditions have been great for breeding with lots of food available. We know kākāriki karaka can breed for up to 18 months straight when conditions are right, and it looks like the birds here have been making the most of it.

Current population models indicate there are between 136 and 214 kākāriki karaka in the sanctuary in total. Additional monitoring would be useful to refine these estimates and substantiate the recent survey results.

“As a boom-and-bust species, we expect to see their population fluctuate naturally,” Wayne says.

“Establishing new successful sites is crucial for this species, which has been just hanging on in some places.”

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kākāriki Karaka Representative Yvette Couch-Lewis is thrilled with the survey result.

“We are so grateful to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary for caring for our taonga and providing a safe habitat for the manu to flourish. We can’t wait to see this population continue to strengthen as a stronghold of kākāriki karaka.”

Te Tauihu (top-of-the-south region) iwi are delighted with the current success with this taonga species, and the cooperation displayed throughout the translocations.

Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Chief Executive Ru Collin says: “In light of the success of the re-introduction of the species, The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary has also announced it will be campaigning for the kākāriki karaka in the ‘Bird of the Century’ Competition, marking 100 years of Forest and Bird.

“The Sanctuary hopes the good survey results will help to raise awareness about the species in its fight back from the brink of extinction.”

Meanwhile, planning work for the next proposed new kākāriki karaka release site, at Pukenui/Anchor Island in the Dusky Sound, Fiordland, recently received a big boost when RealNZ’s annual Conservation Ball raised $175,000 for the project.

Work assessing the island for suitability continues with hopes the first kākāriki karaka will be released there in spring 2024.

DOC works in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to lead the Kākāriki Karaka Recovery Programme, with crucial support from The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Orana Wildlife Park, MainPower, Christchurch Helicopters, and the University of Canterbury.

The programme’s work includes extensive predator control through the mainland habitat of kākāriki karaka, captive breeding, and maintaining a population on a predator-free offshore island.

Background information

Kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet were once commonplace across throughout New Zealand, but their distribution decreased rapidly over the last century. They have twice been declared extinct (in 1919 and 1965) and then rediscovered.

They are currently found in the Hurunui South Branch in Lake Sumner (Hoka Kura) Forest Park, the Hawdon Valley in Arthur’s Pass National Park, the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary in Nelson, and on predator-free Ōruawairua/Blumine Island in the Marlborough Sounds.

The recovery programme works closely with partners such as The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust and Orana Wildlife Park. Their captive breeding programme work is vital to the survival of the species.

MainPower, Canterbury University, RealNZ, Formthotics, the NZ Nature Fund and Christchurch Helicopters also support the programme.

The main threats to kākāriki karaka are introduced predators and habitat destruction. They are especially at risk from rat and stoat plagues following beech forest masts (mass seeding) – for example, one valley population declined by 85% due to a rat plague in 2001.

Read more about Brook Sanctuary.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  06 November 2023

Construction of the Observation Rock viewing platform was completed earlier this month after work to improve the visitor experience and safety at the site began in July.

DOC’s Rakiura Operations Manager Jennifer Ross says following months of tough winter weather conditions, it’s great to have the platform open on time and under budget.

“We’re thrilled to have this work completed ahead of the busy summer season, giving visitors a safer place to observe the phenomenal views across Paterson Inlet during the day, and the expansive skies at night.

“We’d like to thank the community for its ongoing support and understanding as we completed this upgrade work.”

The project is a joint initiative between DOC, Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board, Rakiura Māori Lands Trust, Southland District Council, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and Great South.

Observation Rock has been a viewing area for many years, with an informal track and viewing area pre-dating DOC. In recent times, it’s become increasingly popular with visitors as a great spot to view Rakiura’s night sky, which was designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary in early 2019 by the International Dark Sky Association.

Great South Destination Development Manager Amie Young says since gaining international Dark Sky Sanctuary status, Observation Rock has been a must-visit spot for stargazers.

“It’s fantastic to see the reopening of Observation Rock viewing platform. With enhanced safety features and a revamped platform, both locals and visitors to Rakiura Stewart Island now have an ideal location to immerse themselves in the beauty of the island’s dark skies.”

The platform was initially suggested by the Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board as a safety solution to the unprotected edge at the site.

It has been funded by contributions from the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy, and MBIE’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund. DOC contributed funding in the early stages of the project and provided additional funding and project management until its completion.

Although the platform officially opened last week with a blessing from local kaumatua Phillip Smith, there is still some work to be completed, with interpretation panels and seating still to come.

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  03 November 2023

Every spring, around 75,000 of these half kilogram, brown-grey, long-beaked shore birds fly approximately 12,000km from Alaska and the Arctic to New Zealand, with around 4000 of them landing on Southern coastal areas.

DOC Biodiversity Supervisor Sean Jacques says this annual migration is one of the most impressive in the animal kingdom.  

“Bar-tailed godwits — along with other migratory waders — travel phenomenal distances from the northern hemisphere all the way to Southland every year.  

“Cross-Pacific flights usually conjure images of albatross and other large seabirds rather than a godwit, or the sparrow-sized red-necked stint which travel to Southland from north-eastern Siberia,” Sean says.

“It’s really important for people visiting coastal areas like Awarua, Waituna and New River Estuary to make sure you’re giving all shore birds space to rest and recuperate.

“They need to restore energy following their arrival, build up reserves for the return trip, and are highly vulnerable to disturbance throughout their time here.”

People can help by keeping their dogs under control, especially during high tides when the birds are roosting, and digesting the marine worms they travelled all this way to feed on. People should also be mindful of where they drive as waders can be difficult to spot until it’s too late.

The Tiwai sandspit at Awarua Bay is of particular importance as an officially designated Wildlife Refuge, which is one of the highest levels of protection for an ecosystem in New Zealand. It’s also an important site for the critically endangered Southern New Zealand Dotterel, population just 126 at last count.

“This means visitors should not be taking dogs here or driving vehicles or quad bikes in this location,” Sean says.

“We’re developing signage for the area to ensure all visitors understand the rules, and most importantly, what’s at stake.”

Updating the signage is one part of DOC’s work to raise awareness of the vulnerable and unique species that use the wider Awarua area. The coastal region is a popular spot for recreation like duck shooting, whitebaiting and fishing.  

“Southlanders generally take real pride in our outdoor environments and most people want to recreate sensibly,” Sean says.

“We want to ensure everyone has the right information so they can enjoy the area without harming the threatened native species that reside there.”               

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  02 November 2023

Work began yesterday on the Manganui Bridge, after Ngāti Ruanui representatives joined DOC and MBIE staff to bless the site on the first day of bridge construction.

DOC’s Taranaki Operations Manager Gareth Hopkins says yesterday morning’s karakia was attended by approximately 50 people, including several DOC staff, members of the Taranaki Crossing governance group, and personnel from the companies contracted to deliver the project.

“Partnership and meaningful engagement are key aspects of the Taranaki Crossing kaupapa, so we were delighted and honoured to be able to stand alongside Ngāti Ruanui and our other stakeholders this morning as this part of the project got underway.”

The $13.4 million Taranaki Crossing project is being funded through the Provincial Growth Fund administered by MBIE’s Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. The project is funding upgrades to tracks and facilities on Taranaki Maunga to provide an improved visitor experience. The Taranaki Crossing is a partnership between Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, DOC and MBIE that has been in place from project feasibility through to delivery.

Ngati Ruanui, Deputy Tumu W’akaae, Ngapari Nui, says: “It was great to see a partnership of two years come together with the commencement of the bridge construction.

“We have been involved with the bridge design, location including key cultural considerations which will ensure an enduring legacy for all.”

“Projects like this are the blueprint for the future; working together to improve cultural connections along with enhancing the economic and tourist potential of the Maunga”, Ngapari says. 

The design of the impressive Manganui Bridge structure was revealed last year, and when completed it will be 109m long, 1.2m wide and sit 50m above the Manganui Gorge.

The new bridge will connect the plateau carpark with the only ski field on the maunga, via a 30-minute walk.

Kanoa funding aims to create jobs in regions and increased work for local businesses.

Gareth says main contractor Abseil Access Ltd specialises in this type of construction, while other subcontractors – including local Taranaki firms – are fabricating components off-site.

“Several Taranaki companies will be supporting the build, providing services including helicopter flights and materials and supplies like concrete and food.

“We’re pleased to be able to support Taranaki businesses through this investment and ensure there’s work for local people.”

Many of the construction team are multidisciplined tradespeople who are also highly qualified in working at heights while working from ropes. Contractors will be using the Stratford Mountain Club Lodge as accommodation.

The bridge will be built to withstand 210km winds, and to last 100 years. It will be constructed using 850m of steel support cables, 2800m of handrail infill cables, approximately 10.5 cubic metres of concrete, with 430 clips holding down the custom-coloured deck material.

It will also have 24 in-ground rock anchors, and 9-degree inward leaning masts – some of its most striking features.

An artist commissioned by Ngāti Ruanui has designed the mast and balustrade panels to add a strong cultural representation to the bridge and emphasise the significance of Taranaki Maunga to the iwi of Taranaki.

The project has ongoing support from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, which has welcomed this significant Taranaki Crossing project milestone.

The bridge is expected to be completed in April 2024.

Background information

Taranaki Crossing seeks to develop a high-quality visitor experience on Taranaki Maunga in Egmont National Park. The Taranaki Crossing refers to the main track network enabling visitors to travel by foot from Dawson Falls along the slopes of the maunga, across the Ahukawakawa wetland and over the Pouakai Ranges to the end of Mangorei Road. The journey can be experienced as a series of day walks, or a multi-day tramp.

The Taranaki Crossing project is being funded through a $13.4 million grant made through the Provincial Growth Fund. Additional funding has been contributed by local councils and DOC. The crossing project will see 25 km of tracks improved, creating a mix of short walks and longer tramps. It will also minimise the impact of visitors on the maunga environment.

When completed, the Taranaki Crossing will showcase a safer and world-class visitor experience that truly represents Taranaki Maunga and its people. The improvements will reduce the impact of people visiting the maunga as well as providing an enhanced visitor experience.

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  25 October 2023

The new track has been created in partnership between DOC, Ngāti Waewae and the families of the 29 men who died as a result of the Pike River mine disaster in November 2010.

“The opening of the Pike29 Memorial Track is another step towards the Pike River Families’ dual goal of creating an enduring memory for their family members lost in the Pike River Mine disaster and creating long term sustainable economic benefits for those West Coast Communities impacted by the Pike River Mine disaster,” says Pike River Families Group Committee chairperson Colin Smith.

The track rises 880m from the Pike River valley floor to the Paparoa Range ridgeline making it a challenging walk or ride.

DOC Greymouth Operations Manager Chris Hickford describes it as an outstanding walking and mountain biking journey in a spectacular landscape from alpine scrub through to luxuriant forest.

“As it winds between the valley floor and the tops of the range it introduces visitors to the story of what happened at the Pike River Mine

“It’s designed to be a fantastic track in its own right but can also be used as an alternative entry/exit point for the Paparoa Track.”

Approximate distances/times:

Moonlight Hut to Pike Valley carpark, 17km, 4-8 hours

Pike Valley carpark to Paparoa Track intersection, 11.6km, 3-5 hours

Vehicle access to the start of the track in the Pike Valley will be via Logburn Road – which leads into Pike Valley Road – off Atarau Road northeast of Blackball.

It will not be possible to go further up the road until the memorial facilities are completed. The designs for these are continuing with condition assessments for the buildings underway.

For those who do not want to do the whole Pike29 track an easy 15-minute walk from the Pike Valley carpark leads to twin bridges within the forest to give a sense of what the track has to offer.

More information

The Paparoa Track Great Walk has already become one of the higher-performing Great Walks comparable with the Kepler and Routeburn in terms of bednights.

A DOC report Paparoa National Park Management Plan – Paparoa Track Visitor Use Review found 11 permanent full-time equivalent jobs and 16 full-time equivalent seasonal jobs have been created in the community following the track opening.

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  24 October 2023

The video shows a man in a wetsuit grabbing the young kekeno by the scruff of its neck and putting it into a bag. 

It is an offence under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to disturb, harass, harm, injure, or kill a seal. 

Matt Davis, Principal Investigation Officer, says the behaviour is inexcusable and will bear consequences for the offender. 

“The video is quite distressing, showing someone handling a seal very roughly and possibly injuring the animal. DOC has a range of enforcement tools available for punishment of wildlife crimes, including fines, infringements, or a prosecution through the courts which can lead to a jail sentence. 

“While we don’t yet know the full circumstances, there is no excuse for treating a seal like this.” 

The penalties for harassing, disturbing, injuring, or killing a marine mammal under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 are a maximum two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to $250,000. 

DOC’s advice is to never touch or handle a seal. People should keep a distance of at least 20 metres from kekeno, if possible, and not get between the seal and the sea. 

DOC is actively investigating this incident. If you see anyone disturbing fur seals call the DOC emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) and report it. 

Contact

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  24 October 2023

Building on more than a decade of collaboration, the renewal will see Air New Zealand directly invest more than $5 million in DOC biodiversity programmes over the next five years.

The funding will continue the airline’s support for sustained pest control and species monitoring across five of New Zealand’s Great Walks, and the increased contribution will welcome DOC’s nationwide Conservation Dogs Programme to the partnership.

DOC Director-General Penny Nelson says that the enduring partnership with New Zealand’s national carrier demonstrates the value of nature in Aotearoa.

“The environment is fundamental to tourism. When people experience nature that is wild, healthy and unique, it has a positive impact on them. Our environment is a major drawcard for international visitors and New Zealanders alike.

“Sadly however, we have more than 4000 species threatened or at risk of extinction. This partnership with Air New Zealand means we can do more for native species than we could do alone.

“On the Milford track for example, our partnership has helped control predators to the point where we could bolster the population of pāteke/brown teal. Air New Zealand flew in 60 pāteke, plus funded radio transmitters to monitor their success. 

“When a tramper hikes along the track, they now have the chance to spot pāteke as well as many other birds, reptiles and insects thriving thanks to our partnership.

“This is the sort of impact we can make with long-term partnerships with business, so it’s great to be furthering our work alongside Air New Zealand.”

In addition to the direct investment, Air New Zealand will also provide more than $5 million of in-kind support. This support includes continuing to fly conservation dogs and threatened species, as well as through initiatives to raise awareness of the biodiversity crisis and ways that both New Zealanders and international visitors can support conservation efforts in Aotearoa.

Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability Officer Kiri Hannifin says the airline is delighted to expand its long-running partnership with DOC to include the world-leading Conservation Dogs Programme.

“New Zealand’s unique and precious biodiversity is under constant threat. Continuing to implement a range of science-based initiatives to respond to this threat is vital.

“Our increased investment will support the DOC Conservation Dogs Programme to mentor, certify and support dog-handler teams to detect New Zealand’s protected species or unwanted pests.

“These highly trained dogs and their handlers are at the forefront of the fight against biodiversity loss in Aotearoa.”

Since the partnership began in 2012, it has achieved more than 42,000ha of sustained pest control alongside some of the most iconic Great Walks, flown more than 4,300 threatened species and conservation dogs, and enabled over 30 million engagements with people through joint storytelling.

Background information

Air New Zealand and DOC partnership

Conservation Dogs Programme

• DOC’s Conservation Dogs Programme mentors, certifies and supports dog-handler teams to detect New Zealand’s protected species or unwanted pests.
• There are currently over 120 certified dogs in DOC’s Conservation Dogs Programme, around 80 pest detection dogs and around 45 protected species detection dogs.
• Certified conservation dogs support work on threatened species, check for invasive pests at wharves where boats depart for pest free islands, carry out surveillance inspections of pest-free areas, assist in pest incursion responses, and educate local groups on conservation and the role trained dogs can play.
• More inforamtion at doc.govt.nz/conservationdogs

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