DOC Sounds of Science Podcast
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 most interesting days on the job.
Wed, December 04, 2024
34: Better unguLATE than never with George Ledgard
George knows everything there is to know about hooved creatures that walk on their toes—ungulates, for those in the know—and he’s a keen hunter as well as a technical advisor on the topic of wild animals. Hear about where we’re at with hunting and wild animal control, from one of our foremost experts who is also a hunter. George wears all the hats. The audio at the beginning of the episode is a Western weka. The music used is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of Characters Content warning for (respectful and scientific) discussion of hunting and dead animals Full shownotes and transcript at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast
Mon, July 29, 2024
33: Pen(guin) pals with Cassie Mealey
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
Tue, May 28, 2024
32: Parrot patter
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
Wed, April 03, 2024
31: All things kākāpō part 2
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
Wed, March 06, 2024
30: All things kākāpō part 1
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
Wed, December 20, 2023
29: Summer supercut
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
Tue, December 19, 2023
28: Volcanology
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
Tue, November 14, 2023
27: In a galaxiid far, far away
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
Wed, October 04, 2023
#26 Field yarns with Tim part 2
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
Wed, September 13, 2023
#25 Field yarns with Tim part 1
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
Tue, May 30, 2023
#24 Kiwi as
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
Wed, March 08, 2023
#23 Deals with seals
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
Wed, December 14, 2022
#22 Kaitiaki kauri, protecting the mighty kauri
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
Tue, November 08, 2022
#21 Banding banter
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
Bonus · Wed, August 31, 2022
DOC Sounds of Science bonus episode, the trailer
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
S3 E20 · Mon, August 29, 2022
#20 Conservation and culture
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
S3 E19 · Mon, August 01, 2022
#19: Wildlife warrior
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
S3 E18 · Mon, June 27, 2022
#18 Cryptic critters
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
Wed, March 09, 2022
#17 Shark talk
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
Mon, November 29, 2021
#16 Learning on the Job
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
Mon, November 01, 2021
#15 The rare kākāriki karaka
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
Bonus · Tue, August 31, 2021
Episode 14: Predator Free and me (part two)
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
Thu, April 29, 2021
Episode 13: Predator Free and me (part one)
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
S2 E12 · Thu, March 11, 2021
Episode 12: Marine Magic
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.
S1 E11 · Thu, August 20, 2020
Episode 11: Best bits so far
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.
S1 E10 · Thu, July 23, 2020
Episode 10: Time to talk climate
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.
S1 E9 · Thu, May 21, 2020
Episode 9: Non-vascular plants
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
S1 E8 · Wed, March 11, 2020
Episode 8: The Batman
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
S1 E7 · Thu, January 30, 2020
Episode 7: History with Herb
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
Thu, December 05, 2019
Episode #6: Our invertebrates
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
Wed, October 30, 2019
Episode #5: We love bittern!
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
S1 E4 · Thu, September 26, 2019
Episode #4: Conservation tech
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
S1 E3 · Tue, May 07, 2019
Episode #3: Our lizards
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: Learn about New Zealand’s lizard species How to identify lizards Report your alpine lizard sightings www.doc.govt.nz/podcast
S1 E2 · Wed, April 03, 2019
Episode #2: The DOC Vet
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
S1 E1 · Wed, January 23, 2019
Episode #1: Marine species
Marine species expert Hannah Hendriks talks whale strandings, post-mortems and crucial data. www.doc.govt.nz/podcast
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