Last week, Dunedin was visited by a juvenile male Weddell Seal. What a treat to see, and nearly as cute as our locals New Zealand sea lions/pakake! Biology: Weddell seals are true seals. Their bodies are long and rounded, their fur is mottled grey/brown, they have short fore-flippers, relatively small heads and internal ears. They are …
Another devastating and cowardly shooting of an endemic and classified ‘Endangered’ New Zealand sea lion/pakake. On Monday the 23rd, a nine-month old sea lion pup was shot and left to die a slow and painful death. In only February, this same pup was being celebrated, in part due to her mother Jade’s astonishing feat of …
Aotearoa Politicians and Councillors: have the courage and ban recreational cars on all beaches, to conserve ‘Clean and Green’ Aotearoa. Arguments For Restricting Cars on Beaches:– Endangers fellow beachgoers, especially children. – Kills humans, including Madison Marie Chamberlain who died in January 2024 in Muriwai. – Kills wildlife, including endemic and endangered species. – Decimates shellfish, …
Depression is a serious and complex illness. Depression is caused by prolonged stress, genetic vulnerability, and / or impacted brain function: in the Amygdala (associated with emotions), the Thalamus, and the Hippocampus (associated with processing long-term memory). It is not a choice. Depression, whether short-term or long-term, can be successfully managed with the guidance and …
What is Tuberculosis: Mycobacterium pinnipedii? Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infectious disease that affects the lungs and without treatment can be fatal. Mycobacterium pinnipedii causes TB in New Zealand sea lion/pakake adults (Phocarctos hookeri) and New Zealand fur seal/kekeno adults (Arctocephalus forsteri). How is Tuberculosis: Mycobacterium pinnipedii spread? The primary route of infection in sea lions and fur seals is inhalation. …
Tuberculosis: Mycobacterium pinnipedii – what you need to know… Read More »
“Did I hear you shout correctly?” “Yup, it’s Forest & Bird’s ‘Bird of the Year’ again!” Sorry I’m late to the party! My bird and I have been busy setting up our nest in preparation for laying our eggs in late September. At 65 cm, life isn’t easy for a penguin like me. Firstly, there …
What is it? HPAI A(H5N1) is an avian, highly infectious, respiratory disease. It can lead to death by pneumonia (inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). What species have been affected? How is it spread? HPAI A(H5N1) is spread via migrating birds. It is spread locally …
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): A(H5N1). What you need to know… Read More »