Biosecurity - Control

Once pests have become established, how can we best control or eradicate them?

Publication

Exploiting interspecific olfactory communication to monitor predators

We devised a field experiment to investigate whether dominant predator (ferret Mustela furo) body odor would alter the behavior of three common mesopredators: stoats (Mustela erminea), hedgehogs…
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Publication

The rise of invasive species denialism

Scientific consensus on the negative impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) is increasingly being challenged. Whereas informed scepticism of impacts is important, science denialism is…
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Media

Myrtle rust found in Christchurch, more expected in region

Myrtle rust has been found on a hedge in Ōtautahi-Christchurch, the furthest south an established infection of the plant disease has been seen. RNZ spoke…
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Publication

Gene silencing for invasive paper wasp management: Synthesized dsRNA can modify gene expression but did not affect mortality

Invasive paper wasps such as Polistes dominula are a major pest and problem for biodiversity around the globe. Safe and highly targeted methods for the control of…
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Report

Small mammal control research priorities

Results of a survey assessing the research topics that are most important to improve currently available tools for small mammal pest control.
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Presentation

Ecosystem impacts of tree pathogens – Marijke Struijk

Presented as part of the Kaurilands Summit 2023, hosted by Ngā Rākau Taketake.   To find out more about the Risk Assessment & Ecosystem Impacts…
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Publication

Incursion response in New Zealand

Ecologists, land managers and policymakers continue to search for the most effective ways to manage biological invasions. An emerging lesson is that proactive management can…
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Publication

Phylogeography of Invasive Rats in New Zealand

Two species of invasive rats (Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus) arrived in New Zealand with Europeans in the mid to late eighteenth and nineteenth century…
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Publication

Understanding attitudes on new technologies to manage invasive species

Invasive animal species threaten global biodiversity. In New Zealand invasive species threaten iconic native species, and scientists are seeking approval to research new technologies that…
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Publication

Matauranga-guided screening of New Zealand native plants reveals flavonoids from kanuka (Kunzea robusta) with anti-Phytophthora activity

Kauri is an ecologically important and culturally treasured tree species in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is under threat from the pathogenic oomycete Phytophthora agathidicida, which causes…
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Publication

The admixed brushtail possum genome reveals invasion history in New Zealand and novel imprinted genes

Combining genome assembly with population and functional genomics can provide valuable insights to development and evolution, as well as tools for species management. Here, we…
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Publication

The Nasonia pair-rule gene regulatory network retains its function over 300 million years of evolution

Insect segmentation is a well-studied and tractable system with which to investigate the genetic regulation of development. Though insects segment their germband using a variety…
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Report

Gap analysis for risk assessment and decision making in the biosecurity system

The research programme “He Tangata, He Taiao, He Ōhanga (Strategic Outcome 3,Bioheritage National Science Programme) aims to incorporate information from a holistic set of values…
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Summary

BRIEF: Evaluating New Technology for Biosecurity Surveillance

Biosecurity surveillance helps prevent the establishment of, control, and eradication of unwanted and damaging organisms in Aotearoa New Zealand. Existing surveillance either relies on the…
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Webinar

Māori perspectives on the uses of DNA data

Wānanga 2: Māori perspectives on the uses of DNA data Te Tiriti-guided national DNA reference library wānanga series   Facilitators: Dr Alana Alexander, Ngāpuhi: Te…
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Report

Charting Perspectives of Genetic Modification for Pest Control in Aotearoa New Zealand

Aotearoa New Zealand focuses on pest control to preserve the country’s fragile biodiversity. Genetic modification presents a potential strategy for pest control, but it raises…
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