A new species of lizard has become a legend in its own lunchtime after being identified by scientists from the menu of a Vietnamese restaurant.

Kayaker Mark Jones had unexpected company when a pod of whales surrounded him as he paddled to Great Barrier Island.

Four tagged monarch butterflies out of 15,000 have flitted back to the suburbs they were bred in this spring.

Taking big risks in the hope of high rewards may be a fundamental part of our biological nature, the pigeon study has shown.

Scientists have shown what many dog owners have suspected - while some canines are joyfully optimistic about life, others have a tendency for gloomy pessimism.

The cause of the mysterious decline of the honey bee in the United States - and elsewhere in the world - may have been found.

One of Auckland Zoo's oldest residents, Snorkel the hippopotamus, was euthanised last night after her health deteriorated.

Up to 11 species of beetle may be introduced to NZ.

Coastal living may not be all it's cracked up to be.

Stephens Island is tuatara central, home to a staggering 30,000 - 50,000 individuals.

The killing of 14 endangered weka by a dog on Kawau Island has prompted the Department of Conservation to introduce DNA testing.

Scientists will use DNA profiling for the first time to count the critically endangered Maui dolphins.

Bridget Vercoe writes that Auckland Zoo's scheme is ill-conceived and unnecessary.

Conservationists are mystified by a sharp decline in numbers of the alpine animal called the ibex.

The good news from the first Census of Marine Life is: New Zealand's waters are indeed teeming with wondrous creatures and plants.