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...

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...

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.

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. The birdsong used this episode is the Australasian bittern/matuku. Music is Let’s get down to business by Cast of Characters.

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. The birdsong used this...

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. The birdsong used in this episode is kaki/black stilt. Find out more: Learn about New Zealand’s lizard species How to identify lizards Report...

From kākāpō to kiwi, Kate McInnes is vet to New Zealand’s native species. It’s a one-of-a-kind job!

Marine species expert Hannah Hendriks talks whale strandings, post-mortems and crucial data.