New Zealand Wildlife

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.nz/post/6840745

The kahukura red admiral butterfly has been named New Zealand's Bug of the Year today, after nearly 17,000 bug lovers voted for their favourite insect.

Twenty bugs were vying to be New Zealand's favourite, with 11 of the 20 nominees listed as at-risk, endangered or declining.

The competition - run by the Entomological Society of New Zealand - was created to give bugs the same kind publicity seen in the popular Bird of the Year race.

The winning insects receive research funding and promotion about their conservation.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.nz/post/6377991

New Zealand's rarest bird looks set for a bumper breeding season this summer with five fledglings already striking out on their own and as many as eight more chicks to follow.

That might not sound like many but given that the total world population of tara iti, or fairy terns, is less than 40, that is a huge boost to the species' chances of survival.

It is also a much-needed morale boost for volunteers and Department of Conservation staff looking after the birds, after the disastrous 2022-23 season in which Cyclone Gabrielle killed five adults and all but one chick.

DOC supervisor Shelley Ogle said the current season was tracking to be the best since 2013-14.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.nz/post/5503861

New Zealand Giant Stick Insect - Argosarchus horridus

Was visited by this not so wee one yesterday. Never seen a stick insect this big outside of the zoo - was probably close to 18cm long (judging size against weatherboards).

My daughter named it Dave.

The vagrant spiders are unique to Aotearoa. They are big and hairy, and they like to roam around in search of a meal.

Hard to get a good photo due to the size of this little guy, so apologies for the blurriness

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/4592838

So sad to read. What is wrong with some people?

Bryozoans have been called 'the world's best-kept secret'; that might be why we don't know much about this week's critter. The cyclostome bryozoan Spiritopora perplexa is only found off the coast of Piwhane Spirits Bay in Te Tai Tokerau and is an endangered species.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.nz/post/573262

Possibly a little known / under appreciated gem in our city.

Did an unofficial (you can pay for guided tours) glow worm walk this evening in Otari-Wilton Bush - organized via my kids Childspace. I've lived nearby for years, and walked those trails many times without realizing that they were there.

We walked a short walk from the Northern carpark and all along the trail there were hundreds of glow worms right on the trail banks. I've never seen so many, so close (aside from Waitomo). Would definitely recommend for those with kids or anyone really.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.nz/post/241295

First part of the video is a hilarious appraisal of freedom camping and wellness influencers.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.nz/post/170276

The Hākaimangō-Matiatia​ marine reserve would cover a 2350ha area northwest of Waiheke Island, but it's been stalled after opposition from the Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust. However, the Ngāti Pāoa Trust Board supports the reserve. This is the fourth marine reserve to be delayed or cancelled recently after opposition from iwi groups.