No Images? Click here Celebrating World Ranger DayLast week we celebrated World Ranger Day - it's a time to acknowledge the critical work of conservation rangers across the globe. For us it was a chance to recognise the amazing work our rangers do in Aotearoa all year round. We hosted a live Q&A session with our rangers. Thanks to everyone that submitted questions. We also shared a series of photos and stories about our rangers and a blog post that showcases a day in the life of our rangers. Update from LouIn his latest update Director-General Lou Sanson announces the Stephen O’Dea Development Award winner and talks about World Ranger Day. Battle for our Birds 2017 underwayThis year’s Battle for our Birds pest control operations are underway to protect our most vulnerable native wildlife. View the status and maps of operations on public conservation land in 2017 and 2018. Birds and bats on the rise after widespread predator controlOur latest monitoring results show that native animals are on the rise thanks to intensive trapping and aerial 1080 operations across Fiordland National Park. Video: Returning the birdsong to Aorangi Forest ParkThe Aorangi Restoration Trust has a vision to return birdsong to their backyard. Their trapping project, combined with the use of biodegrabable 1080, has seen some great results. Watch the video. Get involvedVolunteer in the south island this summerWe've just listed a bunch of new volunteer activities for Nelson/Tasman, Southland, Fiordland and Otago. Some of the activities include volunteering at the Burwood Bush Takahē Centre, surveying penguins on the Auckland Islands and helping with our annual hut maintenance on Stewart Island/Rakiura. Habitat Heroes competitionThe Habitat Heroes competition encourages young people to explore a local natural environment and think about how they can make a difference. It runs until 29 September. Prizes include three $500 vouchers to contribute to the conservation action project identified in your entry. Our natureWhat to do if you find a sealBetween August to November it's not unusual for fur seal/kekeno to be seen on our shores. Laura Boren from our marine team gives some tips on what to do if you find a seal and why it’s sometimes important to let them be. Archey's frogThe endangered Archey's frog is one of four remaining species of native frog. It's the only terrestrial frog found on mainland New Zealand. It's also one of the species targeted for protection in the 2017 Battle for our Birds programme. Recovering Native Birds stamp seriesNew Zealand Post have issued a series of stamps that focus on five native birds that have been brought back from the brink of extinction. DOC's Hugh Robertson talks about the series and why each of these birds were chosen. Watch the videos. Our workPredator Free RangersMeet our Predator Free Rangers. They're here to help you get involved with Predator Free 2050. The Predator Free Rangers can connect you with a local district DOC ranger or help with advice on tools, best practice, and safety information. National Compliance StrategyOur new National Compliance Strategy. places greater emphasis on enforcing laws which are designed to protect our unique wildlife and special places. You can help by reporting illegal activity. New environment strategy to engage and inspireA new strategy and action plan will better equip New Zealanders, especially children and young people, with the knowledge, skills and motivation to tackle environmental issues. Photo of the month"After four years on Kapiti Island as a duo, we became an island ranger family six months ago. Our wee son Theo has made the place even more special for us. He has helped us to appreciate how privileged we are to live and work on the motu, and also how winter storms help to dry nappies!" - Nick, Gen and Theo, Kapiti Island Rangers. Photo by @LeonBerardNZ |