DOC Sounds of Science Podcast

33: Pen(guin) pals with Cassie Mealey Jul 29, 2024

Cassie has the most interesting answer possible to the question ‘what do you do for fun?’ She rehabilitates penguins.

As one of our technical advisors specialising in fauna, in addition to running swim practice for penguins in her backyard, Cassie has a lot of wildlife rehabilitation stories and tips.

Listen to this unmissable episode now.

The audio used at the beginning is a tawaki/Fiordland crested penguin splashing in pool and making honking sound
The music used is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of Characters
Shownotes and transcript at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

32: Parrot patter May 29, 2024

Terry is an expert in all kinds of parrots, specifically kākā, kākāriki karaka/NZ parakeet and kākāpō.

He’s spent a lot of time catching and monitoring birds, studying them, and advising on the impacts of predator control on non-target species. Plus, he has some field stories that are so incredible, you’ll think he’s lying. At first, we thought he was lying.

The audio at the beginning of the episode is the call of the North Island kākā
The music used is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of Characters

Transcript and shownotes available at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

31: All things kākāpō part 2 Apr 04, 2024

Part 2 of our special with kākāpō scientist, Dr. Andrew Digby. We ask listeners’ questions about kākāpō, talk about some of the biggest wins and disappointments in kākāpō management, and learn new facts about this rare, unusual species.

Transcript and shownotes at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

30: All things kākāpō part 1 Mar 06, 2024

Dr. Andrew Digby does a deep dive on the science of kākāpō management, recalls weird behaviour he’s observed from them in the field, and explains some of the big challenges the population are facing, including disease outbreak and low fertility.

Transcript and full shownotes at www.doc.govt.nz/pocast

29: Summer supercut Dec 21, 2023

To celebrate summer in Aotearoa, we’ve put together a supercut, packed to the brim with all the best bits from previous episodes.

From cryptic species to sharks to seal production—this supercut has something for everyone.

Full shownotes and transcript at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

28: Volcanology Dec 20, 2023

Volcanologist Hollei Gabrielsen (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Whitikaupeka) on providing advice about volcanoes, particularly in Tongariro National Park; and how her whakapapa, heritage, informs her work.

Hollei discusses what you need to know to head out on an adventure in Tongariro, and answer listeners’ questions about lava, caldera, phreatic (steam) explosions, and more.

Full shownotes and transcript at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

27: In a galaxiid far, far away Nov 14, 2023

Freshwater scientist Nixie Boddy on researching non-migratory galaxiids, native fish, and her adventures in the field—some of which involve costumes.

Nixie has a huge amount of knowledge about how non-migratory galaxiids interact with threats and river flows, and the broader ecology of their habitat. In this episode she explains fish passage, electric fishing, and many other mysteries of the deep/shallow. It’s another must-listen.

Shownotes and transcript: www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

#26 Field yarns with Tim part 2 Oct 05, 2023

Kiwi expert Tim Raemaekers on the struggle that kiwi in Fiordland are facing and what impact 1080 has had in this area. Content warning: mention of gross stoat reproduction (not detailed) at 00:11:34

#25 Field yarns with Tim part 1 Sep 13, 2023

Kiwi expert and star of the Fiordland Kiwi Diaries, Tim Raemaekers, shares his incredible work stories about kākāpō, kiwi, and one very vampiric robin/toutouwai. Heads up, there's mention of blood (it's lowkey) at 9mins 44s.

Show notes and transcript at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

#24 Kiwi as May 31, 2023

Ranger Chris Dodd (Doddy) on what it’s like to track and monitor rare kiwi birds in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Doddy is a passionate kiwi conservationist who started his career working with seabirds on the Shetland Islands

Shownotes and transcript available at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

#23 Deals with seals Mar 09, 2023

Marine biologist Laura Boren dives into her favourite topic, seals, and shares some on-the-job stories about this mischievous species.

Laura has developed shelters for seals on Campbell Island, advocated for responsible pet ownership, and has a lot of experience being a go-to seal source.

Shownotes and transcript available at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

#22 Kaitiaki kauri, protecting the mighty kauri Dec 14, 2022

Our mighty and iconic kauri is under threat from a notorious fungus-type pathogen. In our newest episode, ranger Hana Harris shares her passion for kauri and how you can help.

For the full shownotes and transcript go to www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

#21 Banding banter Nov 08, 2022

Ecologist Michelle Bradshaw discusses what we can learn from the data we get from banded birds and shares some cautionary tales about on the fly identification. Michelle is in charge of the National Banding Scheme in Aotearoa and brings hands-on banding experience from bird colonies around the world. If you’re a bird nerd, Michelle has the kind of work stories that’ll make you green with envy.

For the shownotes and transcript visit www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

DOC Sounds of Science bonus episode, the trailer Aug 31, 2022

The DOC Sounds of Science podcast is a behind-scenes-look at conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Every episode we chat with one of our experts about their greatest achievements and most interesting days on the job.

Watch our trailer animation! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84_QK5NYemU

#20 Conservation and culture Aug 30, 2022

Aroha Gilling is an academic specialising in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and an experienced Treaty Ranger. She’s passionate about education, and this episode contains a wealth of expertise about nature and being a good Treaty Partner. Aroha is also a superfan of all creatures great and small in the Rangitahi Molesworth Recreation Reserve. It’s her happy place.

For the full shownotes and transcript go to www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

#19: Wildlife warrior Aug 01, 2022

Avi has worked with big cats, endangered turtles, and renegade scamps like skunks and racoons. Now he’s here in Aotearoa New Zealand making sure wildlife goods don’t illegally cross the borders.

The most important thing he wants you to know is that before you shop or travel, please check if your item needs a wildlife permit.

Note: We had some sound difficulties with this recording. We’re sorry and have resolved this for future episodes. Avi’s stories are still top notch, and we hope you enjoy them.

For shownotes visit www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

#18 Cryptic critters Jun 27, 2022

Stories about velvet worms, tiny frogs, crooning bats and more from ecologist Jess Scrimgeour. Jess knows that The Fab Five—in this case we mean kākāpō, kiwi, whio, takahē, and kererū—are easy to love, but she wants to light your spark for the hard to see, hard to hear, or hard to find critters too: like pekapeka/bats, wētā, pepeketua/frogs, and even the peripatus/velvet worm which fires a sticky substance when it feels threatened. How iconic. Shownotes and transcript at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

#17 Shark talk Mar 10, 2022

Renowned shark expert Clinton Duffy shares niche knowledge and on-the-job stories. Sharks have a little bit of a PR problem. They’re fascinating, intelligent creatures, and most of them mind their own business. But they are predators, and their reputation has become a bit mythical. In this episode, we break it down.

We talk about how we monitor shark species in an area as complex and vast as the ocean, their reproduction methods which are so incredible it could have come from a sci-fi writer’s brain, and a shark species that walks on land. Not once have we told a lie.

Clinton Duffy is a Technical Advisor, Marine Species, and he works at the Department of Conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Transcript and shownotes: www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

#16 Learning on the Job Nov 30, 2021

There aren’t many jobs with us that Jack hasn’t turned his hand to. Remote island ranger, species monitor, trapper, hunter, ranger trainer, systems designer, operations manager—you name it, Jack has probably done it. He’s deeply passionate about conservation and has accumulated a lot of great stories.

In this episode Jack shares stories about powelliphanta, kōkako, tūturuatu, Canterbury mudfish, Mana Island flax weevil, alseuosmia the mimic plant, akeake the giant daisy, ongaonga the serious stinging nettle; as well as diesel grass, rockhopper penguins, sea lions, kiwi, and parea/Chatham Island pigeon. It’s a very full 39 minutes.

Show notes available at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

#15 The rare kākāriki karaka Nov 01, 2021

Did you know that Aotearoa’s rarest parakeet is a small, forest-dwelling bird, and there are only about 360 estimated to be left in the wild? The kākāriki karaka, or orange-fronted parakeet are in serious trouble. Listen and learn about the work to monitor and track this species, control predators in critical areas, and boost numbers with captive breeding.

Show notes available at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Episode 14: Predator Free and me (part two) Aug 31, 2021

This is the much awaited second part of Brent Beaven’s Predator Free interview. In this episode, we’re talking about upcoming innovations as well as current predator control tools, and yes that includes 1080. This episode is a big swing and we hope it gives you some important context. Show notes available at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Episode 13: Predator Free and me (part one) Apr 30, 2021

Brent Beaven tells us everything we need to know about New Zealand's goal to be Predator Free by 2050. How will we? What is this? Is it even possible? Brent has the answers. In fact he has so many, we’ve split his interview in two.

Brent is an expert on predator control and has decades of hands-on field experience. He's herded sea lions, been hounded by kiwi, and caught mohua in his socks. In the world of threatened species conservation, you name it and Brent has done it. Listen and learn. Show notes available at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Episode 12: Marine Magic Mar 12, 2021

Anton van Helden is a marine scientist by day moonlighting as a magician by night (although one could make the point that magic never sleeps). In this episode you’ll hear talk of strandings, toxoplasmosis, pub magic and climate; as well as working with Iwi on recovery of bones. Abracadabra, are you listening closely?

CONTENT WARNING: Please be advised that the following episode contains specific discussion of dissection (we kept it reasonably high level) which some listeners may find graphic. This is 8.03 – 11.22. And at 23.25 we talk about taonga and why dissections are important for Iwi.

Episode 11: Best bits so far Aug 21, 2020

This is a supercut of all our favourite moments from the past ten episodes, as guided by Erica Wilkinson. Lichens, bats, kākāpō sperm helmets (we couldn’t make this up) GPS, poo patches and more.

Episode 10: Time to talk climate Jul 23, 2020

Jenny Christie is used to seeing eyebrows go up when she tells people what her job is. Perhaps a few years ago, this could be chalked up as scepticism, but nowadays it’s more likely to mean, ‘wow, big job’. Jenny’s job is climate change. She approaches this from an adaptation point of view, which means working on what we can be doing to manage and reduce the impacts of climate change on our native species and ecosystems. In this episode, Jenny talks about adaptation work underway, what she says to naysayers, and some of the impacts on native species we’re seeing right now.

Episode 9: Non-vascular plants May 22, 2020

Kelly Frogley is an expert when it comes to non-vascular plants. In this episode, Kelly explains what exactly they are, and shares some stories about unexpected discoveries and making the most of non-optimum spaces for optimum plant identification. She also talks about green-blindness and the importance of looking down. And up. And around – well, you get it.

www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Episode 8: The Batman Mar 12, 2020

Colin O’Donnell knows everything there is to know about pekapeka/bats, and he’s accumulated some wild stories along the way. In the name of science, Colin has encountered popping bats, game-changing technology, tiger prints (!) and gelatinous excretions – which is exactly as gross as it sounds. Most importantly, in this episode we talk about the impact of predators on Aotearoa’s only endemic land mammal; highlighting the reason for us to work towards a Predator Free New Zealand.

www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Episode 7: History with Herb Jan 31, 2020

Conservation enthusiast and DOC legend Herb talks to Nic about his experience as a science communicator, navigating the bush before sat nav, being trolled by kea, and species protection on offshore islands. Plus he treats us to some of his famous bird calls.

If there were such thing as conservation bingo, (sidebar: should we make that?) Herb would be a square all of his own, given how many times his name is mentioned in conservation conversation. “Ask Herb”, “See what Herb thinks” or “Herb might know” are popular refrains around here. Cheers to this stalwart of species survival.

www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Episode #6: Our invertebrates Dec 05, 2019

Insect expert Eric Edwards talks to us about ecosystems, climate change and cataloguing critters. He also shares his adventures catching true bugs in Micronesia and navigating poo patches (!) in the Subantarctic Islands.

www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Episode #5: We love bittern! Oct 30, 2019

Emma Williams knows a LOT about bittern. This is impressive because they’re very difficult to find. She calls them the ‘ninjas of the wetlands’. In this episode, Nic and Emma talk about tracking bittern and embarrassing yourself in Mitre 10.

www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Episode #4: Conservation tech Sep 26, 2019

DOC's Technical Advisor Stuart Cockburn talks to us about his scientific innovations, which are world-firsts, and have been critical in protecting native species.

Stu’s responsible for kākāpō snarks, track counters, sea bird soundscapes, grasshopper detectors and much, much more. He also one got into a one-way fight with a Great Spotted Kiwi (the bird started it), and is directly responsible for Nic getting questioned by airport security. All in a day’s work for Stu.

www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Episode #3: Our lizards May 07, 2019

Lizard expert Lynn Adams shares tales from the world of reptile conservation – including two near misses for the “curly wurly” tailed Chesterfield skink.

Lynn and Nic also discuss the main threats to lizards - mice, hedgehogs, habitat loss and climate change. They finish up on a positive note, with what we can do to help protect our native reptiles.

Find out more:

www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Episode #2: The DOC Vet Apr 03, 2019

From kākāpō to kiwi, Kate McInnes is vet to New Zealand’s native species. It’s a one-of-a-kind job!

www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Episode #1: Marine species Jan 23, 2019

Marine species expert Hannah Hendriks talks whale strandings, post-mortems and crucial data.

www.doc.govt.nz/podcast