Cannon awards environmental grant to benefit native frogs

Canon New Zealand is helping conserve native frogs by awarding one of three Environmental Grants to the Hamilton Zoo.

The zoo received $5,000 worth of specialised Canon equipment for observation work and study of the nocturnal Hochstetter’s frog.

Amphibian keeper Kara Goddard was thrilled to be awarded one of the grants which will assist her to understand these cryptic little creatures. “The Canon equipment is great, it’s exactly what is required to capture the behaviours rarely seen before and help in the identification of the frogs.”
Hamilton Zoo works to conserve wildlife in its natural environment through animal husbandry, educational programmes and supporting appropriate scientific study whilst minimising the impact on the local environment.

The zoo staff have been studying Hochstetter’s frogs since 2006 to develop husbandry techniques to help conserve the amphibians in New Zealand. The ultimate aim is to develop techniques that will enable them to be bred in captivity with the hope of returning the offspring to the wild.

The equipment selected by Kara includes an EOS40D digital SLR camera with a time lapse remote, an EF50mm 2.5 macro lens and EF70-300mm IS USM lens for shots to show emergence patterns and for individual identification. A HV30 HVD video camera will record feeding behaviours and may show when breeding takes place. The equipment means the frogs can be studied without interference.
“Because the Hochstetter’s frogs come out at night they prove difficult to capture on camera and a little shy, we must first understand them better in their natural environment to be able to further develop our husbandry techniques.” says Kara.

The zoo is one of three recipients chosen from close to 40 other submissions put forward by individuals and organisations carrying out conservation work.
Mike Johnston, general manager customer care, Canon New Zealand presented Hamilton Zoo with the range of Canon products and got up close and personal with some of the inhabitants.
“Hamilton Zoo is a worthy recipient and Canon is proud to support the conservation effort for such an amazingly small and fragile creature. Scientific and public awareness of the Hochstetter’s Frog and how it is impacted by minute changes to the environment is almost non-existent.” says Mike.

“Canon’s photographic and video equipment will enable the Hamilton Zoo to study, understand and ultimately preserve these native New Zealand amphibians.”

In the spirit of kyosei – Canon’s corporate philosophy and a Japanese term that means living and working together for the common good - Canon stresses environmental protection both in its daily operations and through support activities.