davidb

Have you wondered where the Caulerpa taxifolia in America came from? Or feral cats, the Rainbor lorikeet in New Zealand? The list goes on... I have more examples pest species enering natural ecosystems from hobbiest if you want...

Surely you can understand that the greater number of alien species we have in New Zealand result in greater possible risks. It like saying, sure we have Weasels, Ferrets and Stoats here in NZ already so there wont be any issues bringing in Badgers, Polecats and a few otters just so we have the full spectrum of Mustelids here.

I would say the thing stopping blanket bans across the board is public pressure BK. I am not saying blanket bans are the most suitable solution but they are successful in protecting biodiversity.

I think you have to look at the causes of the decline in Kea... I think it is fair to say that the number one cause in the decline in Kea populations is through hunting. I agree with you that active management is necessary, but what is the point of active management if you have no suitable habitat to re-release the birds from your programme? Surely education and habitat protection are the most important agendas to fulfil?

ooh how come nobody told me about this thread. I have yet to say my two cents. Oh as an Ecologist Im on Conches side by the way. I agree that govt authorities have stuffed up in the past- for example letting ferrets and stoats in to control rabbits- against Scientific and Public consensus- but who wanted the rabbits here in the first place? the public (through acclimatisation societies). NZ has some of the most stringent biodiversity laws in place and they are in place for a reason. New Zealand's clean green image, even if it is not entirely true, is the country's number one economic asset and blanket bans on the importation of some animals, like parrots may not please everybody, but they are for the greter ecological good. Of course there will always be idiots who cheat the system for personal gain

juveniles

I will write an article on breeding crickets and locust when I have some time. As snookie says feed mealworms bran and carrot (and apple). Dont chuck out your bran after all your adults die as you normally have to wait a while for the young to hatch.

photo.co.nz usually has the best deals in NZ and they ship.

looks awesome Putt Putt

and to top this all off DoC have just declared they are $8 mill out of pocket, so they are getting rid of the majority of their biodiversity monitoring schemes (including volunteer based ones)... :roll:

Probably a platypus- they are pretty amazing.

looks great!

Well that defiantly was tense. And in some ways emulated the World Cup Final don't you think?

MTS?

especially if you are up Kerikeri way- Sorry PP, couldn't resist :lol:

haha, considering I'm going to Congo next year I consider myself past middle aged- the life expectancy over there is 43 years...

wasp was the main one who helped set me up

Some of those are scams and others are MaF trying to suss out who is looking for/ has what in the country...

Don't do that!!! They eat 1kg of Native foliage per night including many rare plants and Native birds eggs and even fledglings!

only problem is they eat everything else in the tank :lol:

no, I'm currently single (ladies ) haha na, thats just a friend in that pic.

I am not sure that you have a correct diagnosis. From the symptoms described I wouldn't imagine the wrasse had over eaten but there was another problem. perhaps it is just because it is new to the tank. Keep an eye on it

haha- skinny Jeans are cool. I was about to put up a picture of me in my skinny black Vinyl pants (yeah a little Michael Jacksonesque for sure- but it was for a retro party) but I dont think I will after all the harassment that ensues after a photo of someone in skinnys is put up! (Your loss I suppose, not mine :lol:) So here is another photo of me instead haha

Didnt the Crusaders loose to the Highlanders (the third to bottom team in the super 14) on the Weekend? Just putting it out there :lol: