You might have seen Himalayan tahr in the news recently. You might also have been wondering how you’ve gone your entire life without knowing exactly what a tahr is.

Well, wonder no more. Here are 10 of the most asked questions about tahr.

Image: DOC

Our latest episode is a supercut of our favourite moments from the past ten episodes. Lichens, bats, kākāpō sperm helmets (we couldn’t make this up), GPS poo patches and more – this episode is full of stories from all of our previous guests.

Image: ©

Nature is good for us

You can love nature and not go camping, tramping or fishing.

DOC Communications Advisor Jeff Neems shares how his non-outdoorsy family have made the most of a stroll in nature for their wellbeing.

Image: Jeff Neems | ©

History of Hokitika Gorge

First used by Māori as they journeyed over the Southern Alps, the Hokitika Gorge has become one of the top must-see scenic attractions on the West Coast.

Recent upgrades (a new bridge and loop track) have elevated it to world class standards, but for such a popular destination, little is known of its history.

Image: ©

Backcountry huts to be restored

The Minister of Conservation announced a $2 million expansion of the Backcountry Trust’s programme to repair and maintain huts, tracks and bridges in some of New Zealand’s more remote places as part of the Jobs for Nature programme.

The Backcountry Trust has a long-term partnership with DOC to help maintain our nationwide network of backcountry tracks and huts.

Image: Rob Brown | ©

Experiencing penguins in the Antipodes

You can experience a virtual walk in a DOC scientist's footsteps to get up close with native penguins. 

DOC Technical Advisor Dave Houston takes us behind-the-scenes of what it’s like working with penguins on the Antipodes.

Image:  Dave Houston | DOC

Auckland trampers’ efforts boost kōkako numbers

Two groups of Auckland trampers have become key to the growth of the kōkako population in Pureora Forest.

"The reasons we volunteer are using our outdoor skills and gear for a worthwhile cause, enjoying the bush and birdlife, a chance to hear and see kōkako and the camaraderie of being with like-minded people” - Colleen Grayling

Image: Jack Mace | ©

Community conservation projects to get extra support

The Minister of Conservation recently announced that 116 community conservation projects have been granted $5.44 million from DOC’s Community Fund/Pūtea Tautiaki Hapori.

The range of projects funded this year highlights the amazing work of volunteers and groups all over New Zealand. 

Image: Sabine Bernert | ©

High flying help for our most endangered bird

Before the Auckland region went into Alert Level 3, the New Zealand Defence Force swooped in to help our rangers and the fairy tern/tara iti.

They supported the creation of man-made shell nesting sites north of Auckland.

Image: Darren Markin

Rakitū Island declared latest predator free island

“I’m delighted to announce that with rats now gone, Rakitū is officially predator free. This is a major milestone because Rakitū is the last DOC administered island in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to be made pest-free” - Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage.

Image: ©

Predator Free 2050 will require some serious innovation

We need to eradicate rats, possums and stoats from Aotearoa by 2050. It'll take hard work, money, research, collaboration and commitment across generations of Kiwis.

PF2050 Programme Manager Brent Beaven is diving into the most exciting bit of this big goal - innovation.

Image: Peta Carey | ©

Ruahine Whio Protector

Photographer Anthony Behrens had a particularly challenging weekend  trying to photograph whio in the Ruahine Ranges.

From wayward tramping kilts, bloody knees to camera gear mishaps - it was quite the adventure.

Image: Ian Rasmussen | ©

Long road to recovery for kiwi rescued from culvert

For a lucky kiwi trapped in a culvert, his heroes came in the form of two roading inspectors and DOC ranger Alison Evan.

The kiwi was transported to Massey University's Wildbase Hospital, where staff commenced immediate treatment to keep it alive.

Video: DOC

Wild kakī population boosted

Classes from Twizel Area, Arowhenua and Tekapo schools helped release 104 juvenile kakī/black stilts into the wild in the Mackenzie Basin.

These birds are the world's rarest wading bird and were released as part of the ongoing Kakī Recovery Programme.

Image: Dean Nelson | DOC