Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research

Driving innovation in New Zealand's management of terrestrial biodiversity and land resources.

Wildlife CSI

Crime scene scientists Dr Dianne Gleeson (left) and Dr Robyn Howitt.

Landcare Research scientists have perfected the use of DNA to identify the perpetrators of serious crime – including murder – in the animal kingdom.

They now have the ability to use a range of DNA field tests to establish what species was responsible for the killing. These include using feather fragments, eggshell remains, snagged hairs and even saliva remnants on a carcass of a dead animal. And, in some cases, the scientists can identify exactly which individual animal undertook the crime. 

More: Discovery, Issue 18 »

Media releases

Embracing nature in a redeveloped Christchurch

Embracing nature in a redeveloped ChristchurchChristchurch's residents have expressed a strong desire for a greener central city.

Our 'Transitions' exhibition garden at the Ellerslie Show showcases some possibilities - including pocket parks, living walls, green roofs and natural water treatment. It shows how we can intergrate people, nature and functionality, and restore some of the plants and wildlife that have been lost.

More about the garden »

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Science in Focus - Informatics

Informatics

We are a newly formed team within Landcare Research bringing together individuals with cross–disciplinary skills that frequently combine knowledge of Informatics together with more traditional science disciplines.

Our work covers a spectrum of activities:

The Informatics Team currently has 28 staff and a number of contractors. We have specific expertise in the areas of Remote Sensing, GIS, Database application development, Biodiversity Informatics and Biometrics.

Informatics may be defined as the study of the application of computer science, computational, statistical and visualisation techniques for improving acquisition, storage, management, access, utilisation and dissemination of information.


Read more »


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What's new

Guide to the freshwater invertebrates of New Zealand Te Kaahu o Tuawhenua Issue 7, March 2012 Discovery Issue 36, April 2012 NZAC News Issue 8, March 2012

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6/06/2012 - Biosecurity Bonanza 2012

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