Email yolanda.vanheezik@otago.ac.nz
Phone +64 3 479 4107
Teaching
- MARI 302 Biology and Behaviour of Marine Vertebrates
- ZOOL 417 Harvest Management
- WILM 402 Techniques of Wildlife Management
- WILM 403 Practice of Wildlife Management
- ZOOL 319: Conservation Biology
Research Interests
- Urban biodiversity
- Impacts of cats and other predators on urban wildlife
- Viability/distributions of urban wildlife populations
- Human dimensions of urban biodiversity
- Breeding ecology of seabirds
Current Projects
- Children's connection with nature in urban areas
- Vegetative and invertebrate diversity in private gardens
- Householder knowledge and attitudes towards biodiversity in their own gardens
- Hunting behaviour of domestic cats
- Resource use by native and exotic birds in urban forest fragments
- Fine-scale classification of biodiversity values of urban spaces
- Movements and habitat use of urban possums using GPS technology
- Tourism impacts on little penguins
- Life-time reproductive success in yellow-eyed penguins
- Diet of little penguins using stable isotopes
- Resource selection by Peripatus across the urban landscape
Current and Recent Postgraduate Students
- Emily Gray, "Seasonal resource use by native and exotic birds in mixed native/exotic urban forest fragments"
- Cayley Coughlin, "Instrumentation effects and the use of tri-axial accelerometers to detect hunting behaviour in domestic cats".
- Kate Hand, "Children's independent use of space in their neighbourhoods: do children access bio-diverse areas in proportion to their availability?"
- Sara Larcombe, "Impacts of visitor disturbance on breeding little penguin".
- Sam Haultain, "Maximising the conservation potential of the captive Otago skink (Oligosoma otagense) population".
- Amy Adams, "Spatial ecology and genetic population structure of the common brushtail possum within a NZ urban environment"
- Ed Waite, "Specimen trees as ecological keystone structures in the urban landscape".
- Dan Barrett, "Multiple-scale resource selection of an undescribed urban invertebrate (Onychophora: Peripatopsidae) in Dunedin, New Zealand".
- Aviva Stein, "Lifetime reproductive success in yellow-eyed penguins: influence of life-history parameters and investigator disturbance"
- Scott Flemming, "Little penguin diet composition at three colonies: can stable isotope analysis be used to detect dietary trends?"
- Kat Manno, "Physical environmental influences on breeding performance of the fairy prion"..
- Mel Young, "Marine-based stochasticity and the impact upon Yellow-eyed penguins on mainland New Zealand; does it drive annual regional productivity?"
Publications
Samus, A., Freeman, C., Van Heezik, Y., Krumme, K., & Dickinson, K. J. M. (2022). How do urban green spaces increase well-being? The role of perceived wildness and nature connectedness. Journal of Environmental Psychology. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101850
Erastova, D. A., Galbraith, J. A., Cain, K. E., van Heezik, Y., Hume, E. A., & Stanley, M. C. (2022). Effects of urban sugar water feeding on bird body condition and avian diseases. Avian Biology Research. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1177/17581559221110107
Elley, T., Mattern, T., Ellenberg, U., Young, M. J., Hickcox, R. P., van Heezik, Y., & Seddon, P. J. (2022). Consistent site-specific foraging behaviours of yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho breeding on Stewart Island, New Zealand. Biology, 11, 844. doi: 10.3390/biology11060844
Samus, A., Freeman, C., Dickinson, K. J. M., & van Heezik, Y. (2022). Relationships between nature connectedness, biodiversity of private gardens, and mental well-being during the Covid-19 lockdown. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 127519. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127519
Thacker, T., Seddon, P. J., van Heezik, Y., & McCormack, G. (2022). A myna problem: Alien species no obstacle to recovery for the Mangaia kingfisher. Oryx, 56(1), 44-49. doi: 10.1017/S0030605320000071
Freeman, C., & van Heezik, Y. (2018). Children, nature and cities: Rethinking the connections. Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 318p.
Authored Book - Research
Freeman, C., & van Heezik, Y. (2018). Nature in children's environments: A mixed methods study. In M. Tolich & C. Davidson (Eds.), Social science research in New Zealand: An introduction. (pp. 339-352). Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland University Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
van Heezik, Y., & Seddon, P. J. (2017). Counting birds in urban areas: A review of methods for the estimation of abundance. In E. Murgui & M. Hedblom (Eds.), Ecology and conservation of birds in urban environments. (pp. 185-207). Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-43314-1_10
Chapter in Book - Research
Seddon, P. J., & van Heezik, Y. (2013). Reintroductions to “ratchet up” public perceptions of biodiversity: Reversing the extinction of experience through animal restorations. In M. Bekoff (Ed.), Ignoring nature no more: The case for compassionate conservation. (pp. 137-151). University of Chicago Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
Seddon, P. J., Ellenberg, U., & van Heezik, Y. (2013). Yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes). In P. Garcia Borboroglu & P. D. Boersma (Eds.), Penguins: Natural history and conservation. (pp. 91-110). Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press.
Chapter in Book - Research
Seddon, P. J., Judas, J., Maloney, R. F., Combreau, O., & van Heezik, Y. (2000). The re-introduction of houbara bustards in the Kingsom of Saudi Arabia. In P. Soorae & P. J. Seddon (Eds.), Re-introduction news: Special bird issue. No 19. (pp. 22-24). IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Group.
Chapter in Book - Research
Seddon, P. J., & van Heezik, Y. (1999). Counting Houbara bustards in northern Saudi Arabia: An assessment of methods. In Counting Houbara bustards. (pp. 18-24). Abu Dhabi: IUCN/SSC/Birdlife Working Group on the Houbara Bustard.
Chapter in Book - Research
Elley, T., Mattern, T., Ellenberg, U., Young, M. J., Hickcox, R. P., van Heezik, Y., & Seddon, P. J. (2022). Consistent site-specific foraging behaviours of yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho breeding on Stewart Island, New Zealand. Biology, 11, 844. doi: 10.3390/biology11060844
Journal - Research Article
Erastova, D. A., Galbraith, J. A., Cain, K. E., van Heezik, Y., Hume, E. A., & Stanley, M. C. (2022). Effects of urban sugar water feeding on bird body condition and avian diseases. Avian Biology Research. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1177/17581559221110107
Journal - Research Article
Samus, A., Freeman, C., Dickinson, K. J. M., & van Heezik, Y. (2022). Relationships between nature connectedness, biodiversity of private gardens, and mental well-being during the Covid-19 lockdown. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 127519. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127519
Journal - Research Article
Samus, A., Freeman, C., Van Heezik, Y., Krumme, K., & Dickinson, K. J. M. (2022). How do urban green spaces increase well-being? The role of perceived wildness and nature connectedness. Journal of Environmental Psychology. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2022.101850
Journal - Research Article
Thacker, T., Seddon, P. J., van Heezik, Y., & McCormack, G. (2022). A myna problem: Alien species no obstacle to recovery for the Mangaia kingfisher. Oryx, 56(1), 44-49. doi: 10.1017/S0030605320000071
Journal - Research Article
Alden, B., van Heezik, Y., Seddon, P. J., Reid, J., & Young, M. J. (2021). Fat chance? Endangered penguin rehabilitation has mixed conservation outcomes. Conservation Science & Practice. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1111/csp2.452
Journal - Research Article
Erastova, D., Galbraith, J. A., Cain, K. E., van Heezik, Y., Filion, A., & Stanley, M. C. (2021). Sugar water feeding practices are associated with bird species composition in urban backyards. Journal of Urban Ecology, 7(1). doi: 10.1093/jue/juab018
Journal - Research Article
Falloon, A., Freeman, C., & van Heezik, Y. (2021). Awareness, attitudes and the environmental engagement of young adults in New Zealand. New Zealand Geographer, 77, 230-241. doi: 10.1111/nzg.12309
Journal - Research Article
Foster, N. J., Maloney, R. F., Recio, M. R., Seddon, P. J., & van Heezik, Y. (2021). European hedgehogs rear young and enter hibernation in New Zealand's alpine zones. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 3448. Advance online publication. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.45.52
Journal - Research Article
Foster, N. J., Maloney, R. F., Seddon, P. J., Recio, M. R., Khan, M. S. I., & van Heezik, Y. (2021). Altitudinal distribution of the entire invasive small mammal guild in the eastern dryland zone of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Biological Invasions, 23, 1837-1857. doi: 10.1007/s10530-021-02474-y
Journal - Research Article
Freeman, C., Buttery, Y., & van Heezik, Y. (2021). Complexity and flexibility: Interviews with three-generation families in their homes. Qualitative Research, 21(4), 531-549. doi: 10.1177/1468794120936125
Journal - Research Article
Freeman, C., Buttery, Y., & van Heezik, Y. (2021). Nature exposure and use of open spaces in three generation families: Implications for planning. Journal of Environmental Planning & Management. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/09640568.2021.1891870
Journal - Research Article
Freeman, C., Buttery, Y., Waters, D. L., & Van Heezik, Y. (2021). Older adults’ domestic green environments: The preference for flowers. Landscape Research. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/01426397.2021.1921132
Journal - Research Article
Patterson, C. R., Seddon, P. J., Wilson, D. J., & van Heezik, Y. (2021). Habitat-specific densities of urban brushtail possums. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 45(2), 3450. doi: 10.20418/nzjecol.45.27
Journal - Research Article
van Heezik, Y., Freeman, C., Falloon, A., Buttery, Y., & Heyzer, A. (2021). Relationships between childhood experience of nature and green/blue space use, landscape preferences, connection with nature and pro-environmental behavior. Landscape & Urban Planning, 213, 104135. doi: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104135
Journal - Research Article
Aichele, A., Seddon, P., & van Heezik, Y. (2020). Intake of sugar water by kākā in Orokonui Eco-sanctuary. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 45(1), 3431. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.45.52
Journal - Research Article
Bell, G., Young, M. J., Seddon, P. J., & van Heezik, Y. (2020). Effects of unregulated visitor access on chick fledging mass and survival in yellow-eyed penguins. Wildlife Research, 47, 468-475. doi: 10.1071/WR19245
Journal - Research Article
van Heezik, Y., Freeman, C., Buttery, Y., & Waters, D. L. (2020). Factors affecting the extent and quality of nature engagement of older adults living in a range of home types. Environment & Behavior, 52(8), 799-829. doi: 10.1177/0013916518821148
Journal - Research Article
van Heezik, Y., Freeman, C., Davidson, K., & Lewis, B. (2020). Uptake and engagement of activities to promote native species in private gardens. Environmental Management, 66, 42-55. doi: 10.1007/s00267-020-01294-5
Journal - Research Article
van Heezik, Y., Ray, S. M., Jamieson, I. G., Allen, O., & Schadewinkel, R. (2020). Impacts of aerial 1080 predator control on nest success and adult survival of South Island robins. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 44(2), 3407. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.44.14
Journal - Research Article
Young, M. J., Dutoit, L., Robertson, F., van Heezik, Y., Seddon, P. J., & Robertson, B. C. (2020). Species in the faeces: DNA metabarcoding as a method to determine the diet of the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. Wildlife Research, 47(6), 509-522. doi: 10.1071/wr19246
Journal - Research Article
Bryan, S. A., Vink, C. J., Barratt, B. I. P., Seddon, P. J., & van Heezik, Y. (2019). Investigation of two new putative pheromone components of the invasive Australian redback spider, Latrodectus hasseltii, with potential applications for control. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 46(3), 189-200. doi: 10.1080/03014223.2018.1536067
Journal - Research Article
Freeman, C., Waters, D. L., Buttery, Y., & van Heezik, Y. (2019). The impacts of ageing on connection to nature: The varied responses of older adults. Health & Place, 56, 24-33. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.01.010
Journal - Research Article
Linklater, W. L., Farnworth, M. J., van Heezik, Y., Stafford, K. J., & MacDonald, E. A. (2019). Prioritizing cat-owner behaviors for a campaign to reduce wildlife depredation. Conservation Science & Practice, 1(5), e29. doi: 10.1111/csp2.29
Journal - Research Article
Muralidhar, A., Moore, F. L., Easton, L. J., Jamieson, I. G., Seddon, P. J., & van Heezik, Y. (2019). Know your enemy? Conservation management causes loss of antipredator behaviour to novel predators in New Zealand robins. Animal Behaviour, 149, 135-142. doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2019.01.014
Journal - Research Article
Shanahan, D. F., Astell-Burt, T., Barber, E. A., Brymer, E., Cox, D. T. C., Dean, J., … van Heezik, Y., … Gaston, K. J. (2019). Nature–based interventions for improving health and wellbeing: The purpose, the people and the outcomes. Sports, 7(6), 141. doi: 10.3390/sports7060141
Journal - Research Article
Woolley, C. K., Hartley, S., Hitchmough, R. A., Innes, J. G., van Heezik, Y., Wilson, D. J., & Nelson, N. J. (2019). Reviewing the past, present and potential lizard faunas of New Zealand cities. Landscape & Urban Planning, 192, 103647. doi: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2019.103647
Journal - Research Article
Freeman, C., Stein, A., Hand, K., & van Heezik, Y. (2018). City children’s nature knowledge and contact: It is not just about biodiversity provision. Environment & Behavior, 50(10), 1145-1171. doi: 10.1177/0013916517732108
Journal - Research Article
Freeman, C., van Heezik, Y., Dickinson, K., Buttery, Y., Barratt, B., & Waters, D. (2018). Cities: Open space planning for the benefit of both people and native species: Understanding urban biodiversity and highlighting their relevance for planning and planners. Planning Quarterly, 211, 10-17.
Journal - Research Article
Hand, K. L., Freeman, C., Seddon, P. J., Recio, M. R., Stein, A., & van Heezik, Y. (2018). Restricted home ranges reduce children’s opportunities to connect to nature: Demographic, environmental and parental influences. Landscape & Urban Planning, 172, 69-77. doi: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2017.12.004
Journal - Research Article
Mattern, T., McPherson, M. D., Ellenberg, U., van Heezik, Y., & Seddon, P. J. (2018). High definition video loggers provide new insights into behaviour, physiology, and the oceanic habitat of a marine predator, the yellow-eyed penguin. PeerJ, 6, e5459. doi: 10.7717/peerj.5459
Journal - Research Article
Hand, K. L., Freeman, C., Seddon, P. J., Recio, M. R., Stein, A., & van Heezik, Y. (2017). The importance of urban gardens in supporting children's biophilia. PNAS, 114(2), 274-279. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1609588114
Journal - Research Article
Mattern, T., Meyer, S., Ellenberg, U., Houston, D. M., Darby, J. T., Young, M., van Heezik, Y., & Seddon, P. J. (2017). Quantifying climate change impacts emphasises the importance of managing regional threats in the endangered Yellow-eyed penguin. PeerJ, 5, e3727. doi: 10.7717/peerj.3272
Journal - Research Article
Spencer, J., van Heezik, Y., Seddon, P. J., & Barratt, B. I. P. (2017). Synergy between two invasive species, redback spiders and rabbits, threaten the endangered Cromwell chafer beetle. Biological Invasions, 19(5), 1379-1387. doi: 10.1007/s10530-016-1352-6
Journal - Research Article
Stein, A. M., Young, M. J., Darby, J. T., Seddon, P. J., & van Heezik, Y. (2017). Evidence for high inter-generational individual quality in yellow-eyed penguins. PeerJ, 5, e2935. doi: 10.7717/peerj.2935
Journal - Research Article
Stein, A., Young, M. J., Seddon, P. J., Darby, J. T., & van Heezik, Y. (2017). Investigator disturbance does not reduce annual breeding success or lifetime reproductive success in a vulnerable long-lived species, the yellow-eyed penguin. Biological Conservation, 207, 80-89. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2017.01.013
Journal - Research Article
Taylor, H. R., Dussex, N., & van Heezik, Y. (2017). Bridging the conservation genetics gap by identifying barriers to implementation for conservation practitioners. Global Ecology & Conservation, 10, 231-242. doi: 10.1016/j.gecco.2017.04.001
Journal - Research Article
Barrett, D., Recio, M. R., Barratt, B. I. P., Seddon, P. J., & van Heezik, Y. (2016). Resource selection by an ancient taxon (Onychophora) in a modern urban landscape: A multi-scale analysis approach to assist in the conservation of an animal phylum. Landscape & Urban Planning, 148, 27-36. doi: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2015.11.008
Journal - Research Article
Freeman, C., van Heezik, Y., Stein, A., & Hand, K. (2016). Technological inroads into understanding city children's natural life-worlds. Children's Geographies, 14(2), 158-174. doi: 10.1080/14733285.2015.1126552
Journal - Research Article
Goldsworthy, B., Young, M. J., Seddon, P. J., & van Heezik, Y. (2016). Stomach flushing does not affect apparent adult survival, chick hatching, or fledging success in yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes). Biological Conservation, 196, 115-123. doi: 10.1016/j.biocon.2016.02.009
Journal - Research Article
Gray, E. R., & van Heezik, Y. (2016). Exotic trees can sustain native birds in urban woodlands. Urban Ecosystems, 19(1), 315-329. doi: 10.1007/s11252-015-0493-1
Journal - Research Article
Hall, C. M., Adams, N. A., Bradley, J. S., Bryant, K. A., Davis, A. A., Dickman, C. R., … van Heezik, Y., … Calver, M. C. (2016). Community attitudes and practices of urban residents regarding predation by pet cats on wildlife: An international comparison. PLoS ONE, 11(4), e0151962. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151962
Journal - Research Article
Hand, K. L., Freeman, C., Seddon, P. J., Stein, A., & van Heezik, Y. (2016). A novel method for fine-scale biodiversity assessment and prediction across diverse urban landscapes reveals social deprivation-related inequalities in private, not public spaces. Landscape & Urban Planning, 151, 33-44. doi: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2016.03.002
Journal - Research Article