Animals
Leopard seal song compared to nursery rhymes
Researchers in Australia have found that leopard seals in Antarctica sing under the ice and their songs have similiaries with the way humans sing nursery rhymes to children. The study's lead author… Audio
Critter of the Week: Mokopiriakau granulatus - the forest gecko
This week's critter of the week is the moko piriakau, also known as the forest gecko. They are renowned for their ability to easily camouflage to their surroundings and their incredible climbing… Audio
Trained ferrets leading charge against Queenstown pest rabbits
In the battle against Queenstown's exploding rabbit population, a team of trained ferrets is leading the charge. Jim Curry and Jacqui Elson believe in the power of using pests, to fight pests. Katie… Audio
'Very cunning': Unexpected hitchhikers troubling mechanics
There has been a spike in cases of rats chewing through the electronics of cars, with insurers also reporting an increase in damage claims. Audio
Rats create extra work for mechanics by eating car wiring
Some unexpected hitchhikers are causing more work for mechanics as vermin look to make themselves at home in car engines. MTA sector manager repairer and environmental Glen McGarry spoke to Charlotte… Audio
How to prevent your dog from being angry
Animal behaviour experts have been sounding the alarm in recent months over the sharp rise in dog attacks and aggressive behaviour Selina McIntyre, a dog behaviourist with over two decades of… Audio
Humpback whale spotted in Wellington Harbour
There was a rare humpback whale sighting in Wellington Harbour over the weekend, the second time humpback whales have been in the harbour this winter. Whale expert Nadine Bott spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
…Dolphins: whistlers of the ocean
AI has been revolutionising the fields of medicine and science, but now, it's also helping to decode animal communication. Audio
Critter of the Week: Ranger Dragonfly
Next Thursday is World Ranger Day, and to celebrate this important role and the people doing it, our critter of the week is the endemic ranger dragonfly. Just like human rangers, these ranger… Audio
Critter of the Week: Ranger Dragonfly
Next Thursday is World Ranger Day, and to celebrate this important role and the people doing it, our critter of the week is the endemic ranger dragonfly. Just like human rangers, these ranger… Audio
Solving the World's Problems: The art of shepherding
It's time to solve some of the world's problems and this week Steve Wyn-Harris wants to talk about the art of shepherding, and how a good one can save sheep's lives especially when it comes to lambing… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 21st July 2025
In today's episode, more expensive food, rents and power prices have driven inflation to a 12-month high; Hamilton police are still looking for the people and weapons involved in a deadly brawl in… Audio
Council calls for tougher dog laws, rescuers overwhelmed
Auckland Council impounded more than 12,000 dogs last year - more than half were euthanised. Frontline rescuers and local leaders say the crisis requires immediate on-the-ground action and law reform.
Critter of the Week: Alicella Gigantea
This week's critter of the week loves freezing temperatures, no sunlight and extreme pressure. It lives at extreme depths, seven kilometres down, not just surviving but thriving. Nicola Toki joins… Audio
MPI on campylobacter study showing four die a year
A just released study by public health researchers say on average four people die a year from campylobacter infections. MPI Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Four die each year from campylobacter: Study
Figures provided in a just released study show since 2008 there have been an average of 36,500 symptomatic cases of campylobacter each year, 535 people on average are hospitalized annually and four… Audio
Protecting the Pukunui (the Southern NZ Dotterel)
Rakiura / Stuart Island is home to 105 Pukunui. It's the only place in the world they can be found Doc class them as 'Threatened - Nationally Critical'. Just one step away from extinction. Audio
Bringing back extinct animals: Why, how and why again?
Sir Peter Jackson got everyone talking with his plans to bring back the moa (in in partnership with the Ngai Tahu Research Centre at Canterbury University and Canterbury Museum). But he's not the… Audio
Our Changing World: Sea pods
Last year, 100 flower-shaped rocky structures were installed along the shoreline of Tauranga’s waterfront.
These artificial rockpools, called ‘sea pods’, are designed to provide habitat for marine… Audio
US bioscience company working to bring Moa back to life
Sir Peter Jackson is backing an ambitious project effort to bring back the Moa from extinction, and it is being led by Ngāi Tahu, Canterbury Museum, and Colossal Biosciences. Chief executive and… Audio
