Current Projects
We outline both our current and some recent projects here on the map. This page displays our current projects in the text below. For closed projects, please see our Portfolio.
View Locations in a larger map
| Projects | Description |
|---|---|
| NZ Lizards Database | Trent Bell is the project leader of the NZ Lizards Database developed by the Informatics group at Landcare Research. This project was funded by the New Zealand Government's Terrestrial and Freshwater Biodiversity Information System (TFBIS) Programme, which is administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC). This 'knowledge-base' digital resource consists of two parts: an encyclopaedic 'species synopses' for immediate in-depth information on all species, and an annotated bibliography where the literature from 1769 to the present day can be searched. The two parts enable different groups of stakeholders to retrieve the information necessary to make progress in conservation management or research. |
| NZ Lizards Conservation Toolkit | We are contributing to the NZ Lizard Conservation Toolkit project in collaboration with the Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in NZ (SRARNZ). The Conservation Toolkit will provide resource material on the protection, mitigation, restoration and monitoring of lizards, with synergy to DOC'S Natural Heritage Management System (NHMS). This work was funded by the New Zealand Government's Biodiversity Advice Fund, administered by DOC. To visit the Toolkit page, visit here |
| Conservation Flagships | We are leading two consecutive projects over five-years (2009-2013) in partnership with Landcare Research, measuring forest lizard species recovery and post-translocation population trends in three 'biodiversity sanctuaries' (Zealandia/Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Boundary Stream Mainland Island, and Windy Hill Pest Management Project) and an offshore island (Mana Island). The aim of the forest lizard recovery project is to demonstrate (i) lizard population responses to predator-removal or management, and the second project is (ii) to follow up the establishment of a translocated species (Duvaucel's gecko, Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) on Mana Island. This work was funded by the New Zealand Government's Ministry for Science and Innovation.To learn more about Conservation Flagships, visit here. |
| Auckland Council | We are assisting the Auckland Council in initiating long-term lizard monitoring programmes across four sites, to measure potential responses to predator control or removal. These sites are Tawharanui Regional Park, Shakespear Regional Park, Ark in the Park, and Whakanewha Regional Park. Forest & Bird Waitakere Branch provided funding towards the Ark in the Park component. Learn more about the Auckland Council programme by visiting here. |
| Mt Cass Windfarm | We are surveying and quantifying the potential impacts of the proposed windfarm of Mt Cass on the local lizard fauna. This work is in collaboration with Golder Associates on behalf of the client, MainPower NZ Ltd. For more information, visit here. |
| Hawke's Bay Regional Council / MWH | We are assisting the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, in partnership with MWH, in surveying the Tukituki and Ngaruroro River Catchments for lizards in order to inform future management options for this fauna. This work involves the preparation of a regional field identification guide, and training local staff in survey methods for lizards. For more information, visit here. |
| Nevis skink | We are assessing the Threat Category of the Data Deficient Nevis skink (Oligosoma toka) for the Department of Conservation. To read about this project, visit here |
| Boffa Miskell | We are assisting Boffa Miskell in surveying the Mokihinui River for lizards and frogs, on behalf of the client, Meridian Energy Limited. This work is in order to help inform Boffa Miskell's assessment of environmental effects of the Mokihinui Hydro Dam Proposal. |
| Squamate endoparasites | We are undertaking an analysis of published literature looking for patterns in parasite communities of snakes and lizards. This project is in collaboration with Dr. Tommy Leung at the University of New England, NSW. |