Marine biologist and primatologist Dr. Jody Weir has extensive expertise on marine animals, specifically: fur seals, dolphins and turtles--all things finned and beautiful.

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. CW: Respectful and scientific discussion of hunting and dead animals.

Cassie Mealey rehabilitates rare and wild penguins in her backyard. Listen now!

Terry is an expert in all kinds of parrots, specifically kākā and kākāpō. He’s spent a lot of time catching and monitoring birds, and he has field stories that are so incredible, you’ll think he’s lying. At first, we thought he was lying.

Part 2 of our special with kākāpō scientist, Dr. Andrew Digby. We ask listeners’ questions, talk about wins and disappointments in kākāpō management, and learn new facts about this rare, unusual species.

Dr. Andrew Digby is a conservation biologist whose work focuses on researching and conserving endemic birds such as kākāpō. In this episode he discusses population management, weird behaviour and some of the big challenges kākāpō are facing.

To celebrate summer in Aotearoa, we’ve put together a supercut, packed to the brim with all the best bits from previous episodes.

Volcanologist Hollei Gabrielsen (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Whitikaupeka) on providing advice about volcanoes, particularly in Tongariro National Park; and how her whakapapa, heritage, informs her work. www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Freshwater scientist Nixie Boddy on researching non-migratory galaxiids, native fish, and her adventures in the field—some of which involve costumes.

Kiwi expert Tim Raemaekers on the struggle that kiwi in Fiordland are facing and what impact 1080 has had in this area. Content warning: mention of gross stoat reproduction (not detailed) at 00:11:34

Kiwi expert and star of the Fiordland Kiwi Diaries, Tim Raemaekers, shares his incredible work stories about kākāpō, kiwi, and one very vampiric robin/toutouwai. Heads up, there's mention of blood (it's lowkey) at 9mins 44s.  Show notes and transcript at www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Ranger Chris Dodd (Doddy) on what it’s like to track and monitor rare kiwi birds in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Marine biologist Laura Boren dives into her favourite topic, seals, and shares some on-the-job stories about this mischievous species.

Our mighty and iconic kauri is under threat from a notorious fungus-type pathogen. In our newest episode, ranger Hana Harris shares her passion for kauri and how you can help.

Ecologist Michelle Bradshaw discusses what we can learn from the data we get from banded birds and shares some cautionary tales about on the fly identification. www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Bonus episode! Here’s the show trailer! The DOC Sounds of Science podcast is a behind-scenes-look at conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Every episode we chat with one of our Department of Conservation experts about their greatest achievements and most interesting days on the job.

Aroha Gilling is an academic specialising in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and an experienced Treaty Ranger. She’s passionate about education, and this episode contains a wealth of expertise about nature and being a good Treaty Partner. Aroha is also a superfan of all creatures great and small in the Rangitahi Molesworth Recreation Reserve. It’s her happy place. For the full shownotes and transcript go to www.doc.govt.nz/podcast

Avi Narula makes sure wildlife goods don’t illegally cross the borders of Aotearoa New Zealand, and that’s harder than it sounds

Stories about velvet worms, tiny frogs, crooning bats and more from ecologist Jess Scrimgeour.

Renowned shark expert Clinton Duffy shares niche knowledge and on-the-job stories. Sharks have a little bit of a PR problem. They’re fascinating, intelligent creatures, and most of them mind their own business. But they are predators, and their reputation has become a bit mythical. In this episode, we break it down.    We talk about how we monitor shark species in an area as complex and vast as the ocean, their reproduction methods which are so incredible it could have come from a sci-fi writer’s brain, and a shark species that walks on land. Not once have we told a lie.   Clinton Duffy is a Technical Advisor, Marine Species, and he works at the Department of Conservation in Aotearoa New Zealand.   Transcript and shownotes: www.doc.govt.nz/podcast