DOC Sounds of Science Podcast

Conservation scientist Graeme Elliott is an ultimate bird nerd. With a career spanning over 50 years, Graeme has studied and worked with a range of native bird species, including moho pererū/banded rail, mātātā/fernbird, mohua/yellowhead, kākāpō, kea, and toroa/wandering albatross. His body of research has significantly expanded New Zealand’s knowledge of endangered birds and the threats facing them.

In this episode, Graeme talks about the quirky behaviour of wandering albatross, the incredible birdlife on predator free subantarctic islands, his love for ‘dickie’ birds, and his pivotal research on mohua and beech seed fall patterns in Fiordland.

The audio at the beginning is a mohua/yellowhead. The music used is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of Characters.

Marine biologist and primatologist Dr Jody Weir has extensive expertise on marine animals, specifically: fur seals, dolphins and turtles – all things finned and beautiful.

Jody has also researched lemurs in Madagascar, bears and wolves in Canada, and turtles in Barbados. Learn about her exciting and varied career in our latest episode.

The audio at the beginning of the episode is a kekeno New Zealand fur seal. The music used is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of Characters.

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 

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

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 

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

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

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

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.

The audio at the beginning is alpine wind ambience.

The music used is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of Characters.

Full shownotes and transcript at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

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.

The audio at the beginning is an alpine stream in Fiordland National Park

The music used is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of Characters

Shownotes and transcript: www.doc.govt.nz/podcast