The sale of a stuffed cat as a taxidermic skin rug has upset animal advocates who say the TradeMe auction is in bad taste and disturbing.

Introducing new species is a valuable tool for controlling pests, but although there have been some stunning successes, it can go badly wrong, writes Jacqueline Beggs.

A Landcare Research scientist is urging those who carry out rabbit poisoning programmes to consider also getting rid of the feral cats that feed on them.

A researcher embarking on the country's biggest shark-tagging exercise says New Zealand is lacking scientific data about its rapidly declining shark populations

A pest control programme on land near Lake Wanaka has eradicated almost 700 pests - including a cat compared in size to a panther - in little more than a year.

A comprehensive study into the mass mortality of yellow-eyed penguins on Otago Peninsula this summer is needed if the endangered species is to survive on the region's shores, University of Otago Associate Prof Phil Seddon says.

Slaughterman Kent Sambells' workload was "hectic" last week as Waikato farmers called him in to destroy ailing cattle and take them away for processing into pet food.

A damp start to summer followed by a prolonged spell of dry weather has provided perfect conditions for biting insects.

North Shore residents say somebody is poisoning hungry sparrows and leaving them to die on roads and footpaths.

Liz Light visits Ralph Hotere's final Hokianga home.

Eco-tourism is popping up all over India. Liz Light goes birdwatching.

The Auckland Council says it will not tolerate people eeling in public parks after an eel trap was recently found at Western Springs.

A British university student who fried a hamster has been ordered to do 120 hours of community service.

The road-hugging habit of a rare flightless bird could put a spoke in the wheel of the Department of Conservation's plan to open the roads of Auckland's Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands for a year-round mountain biking venture.

A solo mother has been left with a $10,500 bill after her pet's neck was broken in an attack by another dog whose owner has failed to fulfil a promise to foot the bill.

Shark attacks have a profound effect on those who face the ferocity. After last week's shock death of Adam Strange, Amelia Wade talks to three survivors of ocean savagery.

Sharks are being slaughtered at an unsustainable rate, with a new study showing 100 million are killed a year.

A police dog known for his determination to get his man was back at work yesterday, days after being throttled by a man police were trying to catch.

The close-knit Muriwai community struggles to come to terms with the loss of a friend and surf club supporter, Adam Strange.

New Zealand's threatened species of rare native duck, the whio, is making a comeback after a bumper breeding season.

Swimmers are likely to be allowed back into the water at Muriwai Beach tomorrow, providing nothing "untoward" happens today.