In our Spring issue, we look at life on the Denniston Plateau through the eyes of scientists who study its unique plants and animals. The plateau’s geology, altitude, and microclimate has given rise to an fascinating world of tiny trees, giant invertebrates, and a precious “living laboratory” for the study of lizards. Forest & Bird is fighting to save this ancient landscape, a nationally important taonga, from being destroyed by a huge open-cast coal mining operation. We are advocating for it to be protected as a scientific reserve.
In Manta Ray Magic, marine conservationist Lydia Green gives a “fisheye” view of what it takes to track and document the secret lives of giant oceanic rays in Aotearoa New Zealand’s waters. The team’s work has led to two recent conservation wins. Meanwhile, Elvisa van der Leden explains why the new High Protection Areas in the Hauraki Gulf – one of the places our oceanic rays hang out – will help restore marine life for future generations.
Bird of the Year celebrates its 20th birthday and in Ruffled Feathers, Lynn Freeman tells the story behind Forest & Bird’s richly illustrated new book, which celebrates all things avian, and includes interviews with some of the New Zealanders who have made the contest so much fun over the years.
A precious Coromandel biodiversity hotspot has been slowly restored by 24 private landowners over the past two decades, including the removal of more than 18,000 predators. Kerrie Waterworth talks to Sara Smerdon, of Mahakirau Forest Sanctuary, about some of its residents, including northern striped gecko, Archey’s and Hochstetter forgs, Coromandel brown kiwi, kākā, and forest ringlet butterflies.
All this plus much more: Forest ringlet butterflies, new spider finds, nature games for kids, caring for kororā little penguins, what’s in a (scientific) name? saving awakōpaka, and all of Forest & Bird’s 2025 award winners.
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