DOC Sounds of Science Podcast

Jenny Christie is used to seeing eyebrows go up when she tells people what her job is. Perhaps a few years ago, this could be chalked up to scepticism, but nowadays it’s more likely to mean, ‘wow, big job’.Jenny’s job is climate change. She approaches this from an adaptation point of view, which means working on what we can do to manage and reduce the impacts of climate change on our native species and ecosystems. In this episode, Jenny talks about adaptation work underway, what she says to naysayers, and some of the impacts on native species we’re seeing right now.The birdsong used this episode is the North Island Robin. The music used is Get Down to Business by Cast of Characters.

Kelly Frogley knows her stuff when it comes to non-vascular plants – and then some. In this episode, Kelly explains what a non-vascular plant is, and shares some stories about unexpected discoveries and making the most of non-optimum spaces for optimum plant identification.We also talk about green-blindness and the importance of looking down. And up. And around – well, you get it. Non-vascular plants are all around!The birdsong used this episode is the tui.Music is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of Characters.

Colin O’Donnell knows everything there is to know about pekapeka/bats. 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, we talk about the impact of predators on Aotearoa’s only endemic land mammal. This highlights the reason for us to work towards a Predator Free New Zealand.The birdsong used this episode is the North Island robin.Music is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of Characters.

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 might know” are popular refrains around here. Cheers to this stalwart of species survival.The birdsong (well, bird scream) used this episode is the kea.Music is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of Characters.

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, seabird soundscapes, grasshopper detectors and much, much more. He also once 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.A snark is a device that records transmitters on kākāpō.The birdsong used this episode is the Australasian gannet.Music is Let’s get down to business by Cast of Characters.

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.Find out more:Learn about New Zealand’s lizard speciesHow to identify lizardsReport your alpine lizard sightings

From kākāpō to kiwi, Kate McInnes is vet to all of New Zealand’s native species. It’s a one-of-a-kind job! Listen to Kate talk about avian lesions, kākāpō sperm and birds with salmonella.Kate and Nic also reveal the humble origins of the now infamous ‘sperm helmet’, on display at Te Papa National Museum. The birdsong used in this episode is a dawn chorus with tui in the foreground.Learn more about what to plant to support birds and wildlife.Music is Let’s get down to business by Cast of Characters.

Marine species expert Hannah Hendriks talks whale strandings, post-mortems and crucial data. The birdsong at the start of this episode is the North Island robin.Find out more:Māui dolphin abundance estimatesMāui dolphin toxicology and disease research

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 CharactersContent warning for (respectful and scientific) discussion of hunting and dead animalsFull 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 soundThe music used is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of CharactersShownotes 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 kākāThe music used is Let’s Get Down to Business by Cast of CharactersTranscript 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