Zoology collection
The mission of the Department of Zoology is to provide an environment, open to all sections of the community, for the extension, sharing and application of knowledge in zoology, through research and teaching of the highest international standard.
The Department of Zoology is distinctive internationally for its focus on whole organism biology (it is one of the few departments of zoology in universities throughout the world). Our staff have international reputations in their areas of expertise and make major contributions to answering fundamental questions in basic and applied research.
For further information go to the Department of Zoology.
Recent Deposits
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Population status and genetic diversity of the endemic black-billed gull Larus bulleri of New Zealand
The endangered black-billed gull (Larus bulleri) is endemic to New Zealand, and is the world’s most threatened gull species due to suspected large population declines. These gulls primarily rely on open gravel beds in ... -
Conservation Genetics of North Island Kōkako (Callaeas wilsoni)
Conservation genetics has recently been recognised as an important, although often overlooked, aspect of wildlife management. Applying molecular techniques and genetic concepts to management strategies has the potential ... -
Effects of avian predation and habitat degradation on the population dynamics of the jewelled gecko (Naultinus Gemmeus) from the Every Scientific Reserve, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
This study examined population dynamics of jewelled geckos at the Eve1y Scientific Reserve (ESR), Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. Research was conducted between November 1998 and December 1999. Based on mark-recapture I ... -
Ship rat density in urban Dunedin and the development of a non-invasive estimation method
In New Zealand ship rats (Rattus rattus) are one of the major threats to endemic fauna and flora. Rural ship rat populations have been implicated in the ongoing decline and extinction of many species of endemic wildlife. ... -
Parasite-mediated interspecific interactions in a community of crustaceans
Differential impacts of parasitism among sympatric species influence important interactions among hosts, both directly and indirectly, which can translate to impacts on communities and ecosystems. This thesis investigated ... -
Effects of land use on the diet and growth of freshwater crayfish Paranephrops zealandicus in some New Zealand streams
I investigated the relationship between landuse and the diet and growth of the fresh-water crayfish Paranephrops zealandicus in the Taieri River catchment, South Island, New Zealand. The thesis presents a detailed dietary ... -
Mainland and near-shore islet colonies of Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) in Otago
INVESTIGATION OVERVIEW: Many mainland breeding colonies of Sooty Shearwaters are thought to have become extinct, although there is no concern for the abundant offshore island populations of these burrow-nesting seabirds. ... -
Observations on growth and age of Hyridella menziesi Gray (Mollusca : Bivalvia) in a freshwater tidal lake
The freshwater mussel offers considerable scope for study of the relationship between growth and life span. The combination of slow prolonged growth, low adult mortality and longevity are apparently unique in Invertebrate ... -
Population ecology of the freshwater crayfish Paranephrops zealandicus and its effect on the community structure of a lowland bush stream
My research describes aspects of the population ecology of the freshwater crayfish Paranephrops zealandicus, its influence on the community of a lowland bush stream in Otago, New Zealand, and the ecosystem consequences of ... -
Ecological energetics of feral house mice (Mus musculus) inhabiting coastal sand dunes
Feral house mice (Mus musculus) are well established throughout New Zealand. They are a potential pest species about which comparatively little is known, especially with respect to invertebrate populations where we might ... -
The physiology of lizards from arid regions in Central Otago.
The seasonal cycles in fat bodies, liver and gonads of Leiolopisma zelandica and Hoplodactylus pacificus have been established and the pattern of lipid storage and utilization in these organs, the tail and remaining carcass ... -
Studies on neothyris lenticularis (Deshayes).
Neothyris lenticularis (Deshayes), the only living representative of its genus, is a member of the Order Telotremata within the Sub-Class Pygocaulia. Its taxonomic position has been discussed by Thomson (1915). As a result ... -
Water temperature and food availability influence brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) population dynamics in the Cardrona River: implications for flow regime management
Reduced surface discharge negatively influences freshwater fish populations. Under the current flow regime management, the lower Cardrona River has experienced annual low flow events over the summer months. This low flow ... -
The role of social structure and kin associations in the mating system of the polygynous New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri)
Mating structure describes the number of mates individuals of each sex are able to acquire, as well as the variance in reproductive success between individuals of the same sex. Such structure has important evolutionary ... -
Biological functions of gonadotropic hormones during the early stages of ovarian development in shortfinned eel (Anguilla australis)
In teleosts, gonadotropins (Fsh: follicle-stimulating hormone and Lh: luteinizing hormone) secreted from the pituitary are key factors regulating gonadal steroid production and gametogenesis. At present, acquired insights ... -
Resource selection by New Zealand pāteke/brown teal (Anas chlorotis) at two North Island locations
Identification of the resources an animal is selecting allows us to understand how animals use what is available to meet their requirements for survival, growth, and reproduction. Understanding the process by which selections ... -
Trophic links and the parasites that exploit them: the case of New Zealand's endemic rough skate
Understanding how natural systems are structured and function is central to ecological theory. Although easily overlooked, parasites are ubiquitous and fundamental components of natural systems. Among their various roles, ... -
Ecology, genetics and taxonomy of Peka peka (Chiroptera: Mystacina tuberculata and Chalinolobus tuberculatus)
New Zealand has two species of microbat; the Short-tailed Bat (Mystacina tuberculata) and the Long-tailed Bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus). Despite having special significance as being New Zealand's only native terrestrial ... -
Factors Influencing Varroa Sensitive Hygiene in European Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)
European honey bees (Apis mellifera) pollinate approximately one third of the world’s fruits and crops. The current loss of honey bee colonies is thus a major threat to the agricultural industry, to food production and to ... -
A limnological study of some New Zealand lakes
Freshwater surveys in New Zealand have not been numerous. This is understandable when we consider that it has been settled for little more than a century, and is still sparsely populated. The only comparative study of a ...