Politecol

Featured image: We can do better than Predator Free 2050

We can do better than Predator Free 2050

- Wayne Linklater • May 09, 2017

I have established that Predator Free 2050 (PF2050) is not scientifically rational because it can’t be done and carries with it extraordinary scientific, political and social risks for gains that are less than required to address our nation’s environmental and biodiversity challenges. Instead of PF2050 it would be more sensible, lower risk and increase our chances of sustained biodiversity … Read More

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Featured image: Predator Free 2050 is scientifically flawed

Predator Free 2050 is scientifically flawed

- Wayne Linklater • May 09, 2017

Predator Free 2050 is good politics but it is scientifically flawed. It can’t be done. Predator-free 2050 was described as a “moon shot” but, actually, its an Andromeda Galaxy shot – unattainable. New Zealand’s, and the world’s, leading experts in animal eradication have already concluded that it is not possible to eradicate introduced mammalian predators from New Zealand. That … Read More

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Featured image: A better conservation science sector is critical… … of itself

A better conservation science sector is critical… … of itself

- Wayne Linklater • Mar 11, 2017

My latest critique of conservation in New Zealand received a largely positive response, especially from others who think empathy with wildlife an important ethic. It was a busy week and so, unfortunately, I haven’t yet responded to all who telephoned and wrote. But the article also received some negative comments, especially from people who identify themselves as conservationist or … Read More

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Featured image: Conservation’s horizon in New Zea la-la land

Conservation’s horizon in New Zea la-la land

- Wayne Linklater • Jan 30, 2017

Designing ecosystems, reconciliation ecology for conservation The theme for the influential Ecological Society of America’s annual conference last year was “Novel Ecosystems in the Anthropocene”. A novel ecosystem is a human-made habitat and community of plants and animals. Novel ecosystems can be planned, accidental, or caused by poor environmental management that cannot be undone. And Anthropocene describes the current geological age when … Read More

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Featured image: Are Kiwi academics less engaged in govt policy-making?

Are Kiwi academics less engaged in govt policy-making?

- Wayne Linklater • Jul 14, 2016

The Chief Science Advisor to the New Zealand Prime Minister thinks New Zealand’s university academics are less engaged in policy-making by government than those in other countries. Source of image: The Guardian Perhaps it was an unplanned, throw-away, line in Sir Peter Gluckman’s wide-ranging presentation for the Science & Society Series at Victoria University today (13 July), but it grabbed … Read More

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Featured image: The science and memories of children climbing trees

The science and memories of children climbing trees

- Wayne Linklater • Jan 19, 2016

A cordon of dark, gnarly Macrocarpa trees stood along the falling-down-fence boundaries behind my childhood home. I can’t recall ever crossing the boundaries they defined. The fields beyond were someone else’s. They lived on different roads that I seldom travelled. The trees, like sentinels, looked outward over my no-man’s land. And, like guardians, they looked inward over my … Read More

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Featured image: Victoria University Democalyse

Victoria University Democalyse

- Wayne Linklater • Aug 20, 2015

When the staff and students of Victoria University were asked how they would like members on university’s governance council to be selected – democratic election, or appointment by the council or some other select group – 71% supported elections (450 staff and 700 students responded to the survey). Selection by election was also the most supported option amongst the ~1000 alumni … Read More

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Featured image: Growing and protecting New Zealand’s wildlife economy

Growing and protecting New Zealand’s wildlife economy

- Wayne Linklater • Mar 04, 2015

Wildlife is critical to the economies of nations. New Zealand’s whales, dolphins, albatross, kiwi, tuatara and kauri bring tourists. And the tourists who come to see our wildlife stay for longer and spend more, especially in our provinces and small towns, than those who come for our casinos and high-end hotels [1, 2]. Even … Read More