Invasive Species

Australian redback spiders found their way to New Zealand in the 1980s.  

These dangerously venomous spiders are now found in Central Otago and New Plymouth, where they pose a risk to both people and… Audio

The fight against the fall armyworm has stepped around Aotearoa. Ashley Mills from the Foundation for Arable research speaks to Jesse about their co-ordinated efforts to deal with the pest. Audio

A West Coast volunteer project to rid a lagoon of an invasive weed, is bringing people and businesses together across New Zealand. Okarito Lagoon is swamped by gorse. It's threatening biodiversity… Audio

Environmental groups are urging New Zealanders to tackle the invasive moth plant now. Areas. Annette Mitchell is a member of the Upper Waitemata Ecology Network and the Environmental Weed Coalition… Audio

Katy Gosset finds out about a native fungus that could help slow the spread of invasive wilding pines. Audio

Wasps are a plague every summer, the unwelcome harasser at your picnic or tramping rest stop. Kathryn talks to Gemma McLaughlin, a PhD candidate at Otago University, who's at the forefront of efforts… Audio

Between the 1960s and late 2000s Stewart Smith went on a one-man crusade, releasing thousands of invasive fish into New Zealand’s rivers, lakes and streams. In this episode of Black Sheep, we… Audio

High-profile ecologist, Professor Carolyn King, says New Zealand's Predator Free 2050 goal is feasible, but has voiced concerns about the possible use of gene drives as a means of achieving it. Audio, Gallery

January and February are when invasive wasp populations boom, damaging the native eco-system. New Zealand has some of the highest densities of German and common wasps in the world which present a huge… Audio

Myrtle rust is having a profound impact on native plants and ecosystems in Australia - what will its effect be on New Zealand forests? Audio

Alex Pressman is turning an invasive marine pest into a business. His company, Waikaitu, takes an invasive species of seaweed, wakame (undaria pinnatifida) and turns it into fertiliser, food and even… Audio

Nearly 300 species of fish and invertebrates have crossed the Pacific Ocean on floating debris since the 2011 earthquake. Audio

The Cook Islands Minister of Agriculture wants immediate action to curb the impact of invasive species. Audio

A new study shows that getting rid of invasive mammals from islands has an enormous positive benefit for rare native species. Audio