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.
The New Zealand Ecological Society conference will be held at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch from the 15th - 19th of November 2015. Registration and abstract submissions for the general sessions are now open, with a due date of 1st of September.
The New Zealand Ecological Society promotes the study of ecology and the application of ecological knowledge in all its aspects.
Interesting Blog post with lots of native lizard photos.
The Solarmeter 6.5 UV Index meter has arrived and is now available for lending to NZHS members.
Information about the DOC 'Outside In' review of wildlife, research and collection authorisations.
A series of workshops for the DOC 'Outside in" permitting review have recently taken place. If you weren't able to attend and would like to learn more about the review, or wish to have your say, visit their website: www.doc.govt.nz/outsidein.
The NZHS is deeply saddened by news of the loss of Tony Whitaker, arguably New Zealand’s greatest herpetologist!
Tony was hugely respected by all New Zealand ecologists and scientists, having been at the forefront of New Zealand herpetology for more than 40 years.
Recently, he was a recipient of a 2010 MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) for services to herpetology and was the keynote speaker at the 2011 SRARNZ Conference.
The ‘Nationally Endangered’ Whitaker’s skink is named in his honour.
Glyphosate-based herbicides are one of DOC's most commonly used herbicides. However, glyphosate-based formulations that also contain the surfactant polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA) have been found to change skinks' thermoregulatory behaviour and possibly cause slower sprint speeds. Based on this research, it is recommended that glyphosate formulations containing POEA (e.g. Roundup) should not be used in areas that are inhabited by rare or threatened lizard species.
New species of skink found at Bream Head
Read all about New Zealand's 'newest' lizard species, found at Bream Head, Whangarei
www.breamheadtrust.org.nz/news/new-species-of-skink-found-at-bream-head/
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN: Wellington is home to eight species of gecko and skink but their numbers are thought to be in decline because of predators and a loss of habitat.
Wellington City Council has made a cold-blooded appeal to the public to contribute sightings of lizards for its census.
Article found here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/8344843/Lizards-alert-for-wildlife-census
The NZHS has been asked to aid DOC and MPI in detected and reporting an emerging fungal disease in captive reptiles, called CANV.
Please read this News Bulletin and the attached documentation to see how you can help.
A fungal disease (CANV) has recently been detected in New Zealand and the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) are working together to enhance surveillence efforts and collect information on the distribution and effects of the disease.