This photograph of the Antipodes parakeet was taken by University of Auckland scientist, Dr James Russell.
Dr Russell is leading the recently departed expedition to the Antipodes Islands that will lay the groundwork for the removal of mice from this remote nature reserve.
Their research will fill gaps in knowledge about the mice and effects of their removal on some of the island’s special native species, in particular the two parakeets—Antipodes and Reischek’s parakeet—which are found nowhere else. They will also gather baseline data to chart ecosystem recovery once mice are gone.
Follow the expedition to the Antipodes on James Russell’s blog.
You can help the unique ecosystems, native seabirds, plants and insects of the Antipodes Islands
The Million Dollar Mouse campaign aims to raise more than a million dollars towards the Antipodes Islands mouse eradication project. The fund currently sits at $819,000 with all public contributions matched dollar for dollar by philanthropists Gareth and Jo Morgan.
For more information, and to make a donation, visit the Million Dollar Mouse website.
Send us your photos
If you have a great, conservation related photo you want to share with the world (or at least the readers of this blog) send it through to us at socialmedia@doc.govt.nz.