Finished! Looks like this project is out of data at the moment!
FAQ
Q: I can't tell the difference between similar species (ex. small birds), what should I classify them as?
A: No problem, please just select the species that is the closest to what you see. For example, even just classifying the image as one of the small bird species without being certain (ex. toutouwai/North Island robin) gives us valuable information. For the next round of photos, we will be grouping confusing species like the small songbirds together into one category.
Q: I am unfamiliar with the Maori words you use, what do they mean?
A: We try to include both Maori and English terms upon first use, but if you are unsure of what a word means, or if we missed a definition, please leave us a message on our Questions talk board.
Q: Why are you focusing on getting rid of pest species instead of just reintroducing native species or leaving nature to take its own course?
A: Like most areas of New Zealand, much of the native biodiversity of Taranaki has been laid to waste by introduced predators like wild goats, weasels, stoats, possums and rats. These pests are not naturally occurring, and the native wildlife evolved without any mechanism for defense against them. Since these pests hunt the native wildlife, eat their food resources, and eggs, meaning that species including the famous Kiwi bird are in danger of becoming extinct, and are already extirpated (locally extinct) in many areas where they used to occur. However, there is hope for these species, as populations are rebounding in areas with extensive pest control.
Q: Where are your camera traps set up?
A: We will be placing the camera traps in several locations around the mountain and ranges of the national park. The current camera location and rationale for this research strategy can be found in the Research section.