Council supports a new generation of scientists
The first Our Natural Capital research grants have been awarded to three inspiring projects by students at Victoria University of Wellington
The first Our Natural Capital research grants have been awarded to three inspiring projects by students at Victoria University of Wellington. This new grants allow Wellington City Council to support students at Victoria University to study the curiosities and intricacies of urban ecology.
This year the Council funded three successful applicants: Daniel Donoghue who received $2504 for his work on supplementary feeding, foraging, and innovation in North Island kākā; Julie Whitburn received $4630 for her work investigating children’s connection to nature in Wellington; and Victor Anton received $12,867 for his work on the impacts of introduced predators on Wellington’s birds.
Myfanwy Emeny, the Council’s Urban Ecology Team Leader, is delighted with the students who came forward and the projects they proposed. She says: “One of the research guidelines we work to is that, where possible, university students will be engaged to conduct research on our behalf.
“The knowledge of how our urban environment impacts on the natural environment is essential to ensuring our environment remains healthy for future generations. And these students will help us to better understand the complex interactions between people, the environment we create and the species that live around us.”
Victor Anton is now inviting the public to collaborate in his scientific research. He is encouraging the public to get involved to help his understanding of invasive mammals in urban areas by classifying photos on his website - identifyanimals.
Last year, the team launched a trial version of the website with 60,000 photos. Volunteers identified the animals in these photos in less than a month. Volunteers not only spotted rats and possums, they also enjoyed snapshots of Wellington’s native biodiversity like fantails, kākā, kākāriki and tīeke. This year, the group of researchers have collected more than 100,000 new photographs to continue researching Wellington’s wildlife in a fun and scientific manner.