What is it about jewelled gecko conservation that got you interested and continues to interest you?
The company was looking to sponsor a more unique community cause and in the end we opted for one in our "natural community". The cause also connected in with our core business in the field of "green" [energy efficient, environmentally friendly] building and home automation.
The jewelled gecko jumped out at us as the species to back in 2008 after hearing it was in decline and some limited work was being done but more funding was required.
Definitely the ability for staff to identify with and participate in the project is a key factor. The very good progress being made in the field and the regular updates and reporting received makes it easier to continue each year.
How is the project you're involved in benefiting conservation?
Through our sponsorship work comes the likes of increased resourcing and monitoring, safer and new habitat environments being created, as well as an increased knowledge base on the species and on the threats to the species. This all contributes towards the longer-term preservation of the jewelled gecko.
What do you get out of the work and how do you fit it in?
Our staff get the satisfaction of knowing the company is behind a valuable conservation project. They get regular updates on actual progress and some staff can even participate first hand through organised field trips.
There is of course a smaller commercial aspect for us where we get to share with our customers our involvement in the project and the outcomes.
We foremostly provide funding for the excellent work that is done by the Department of Conservation and the various dedicated researchers in the field.
Beyond this we have a strong interest in the project and relish the opportunity for "hands-on" participation wherever possible and practical.
What challenges do you face and how have you overcome them?
There are many challenges to all those involved in the project to reverse the decline in jewelled gecko numbers including habitat protection and expansion, overcoming natural and introduced predators, countering human poaching for international black markets and keeping all relevant groups and parties concerned working together in the right direction.
Doc, in conjunction with field researchers and others, has worked hard putting together a management plan to do this.
What would you like to do in the future regarding conservation?
We would like to see expansion of the programme into other regions where there are jewelled gecko habitats under threat.
Increased involvement for more of our staff is also a goal and this should be achievable here with a geographical widening of the project.
• Nominated by Department of Conservation biodiversity assets programme manager David Agnew.
The DOC quiz
1 How long is the Otago Central Rail Trail? 150km, 175km or 200km?
2 What four agencies were combined in 1987 to create the Department of Conservation?
3 I am only found in Cromwell, I am flightless, nocturnal and have my own Doc reserve to protect me. What am I?
4 What is the common name for the hoiho?
5 In which mountain range in the Wakatipu area are Himalayan tahr found?
6 What is the name of an abandoned town established in the 1800s and lying within Bannockburn Sluicings Historic Reserve that features Menzies Dam and a historic orchard?
7 What are the mountains Stargazer , Sky Scraper and Moonraker in Mt Aspiring National Park named after?
8 I am an endangered small alpine bird, green/olive in colour with yellow flanks, I am a ... ?
To go into the daily draw to win a kowhai tree send your answers to quiz@doc.govt.nz. All winners will go into the draw to win a day out with a Department of Conservation Ranger.
