Image: Leon Everett | ©
View of rocky, calm waters with an small island visible in the distance.
Monday | Rāhina Conservation Week quiz
Monday's quiz – marine theme

Monday 1 September – marine theme

Q1: True or false, nearly half of the world’s whale and dolphin species are found in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Two dolphins swim in the ocean.
Commons dolphins
Image: Terry C Greene | DOC

Incorrect...

Correct! 

Approximately how many types of sharks are found in Aotearoa New Zealand’s waters?

A shark swims underwater near a rocky outcrop.
The Galapagos shark
Image: © Danica Stent

Incorrect!

There are approximately 70!

From the 27 cm long pygmy shark to the 12 m long whale shark, Aotearoa moana (waters) are absolutely bursting with wonders.

Correct!

From the 27 cm long pygmy shark to the 12 m long whale shark, Aotearoa moana (waters) are absolutely bursting with wonders.

Q3. What’s the minimum distance a boat should stay from a mother whale and her calf?

A humpback whale swimming to the sea's surface.
A humpback whale
Image: TVNZ's Endangered Species

Incorrect!

You should stay at least 200 m away.

Keeping your distance will keep you safe and help protect these marine giants. The distance decreases to 50 m for a lone adult whale.

Well done!

Keeping your distance will keep you safe and help protect these marine giants. The distance decreases to 50 m for a lone adult whale.

 

Q4: Why do some kekeno/New Zealand fur seal pups have their hair trimmed each season?

Two fur seasl perched on a rock with a third peeking up in the background.
Fur seals
Image: Dick Veitch | DOC

Incorrect! 

The correct answer is, to count the number of pups.

Don’t worry, kekeno pups have plenty of fur, and this trim grows back in a matter of weeks – no need for beanies!

Correct!

Don’t worry, kekeno pups have plenty of fur, and this trim grows back in a matter of weeks – no need for beanies!

 

Q5: What unique feeding behaviour do orcas display in Wellington Harbour?

An orca swims by an orange buoy.
Orca
Image: Mary Everth | DOC

Incorrect!

The answer is digging in the muddy floor for stingrays.

Correct!

Q6: How many marine reserves are there in Aotearoa New Zealand?

A beach scene with a sign in the foreground warning that all marine life is protected.
Taputeranga Marine Reserve
Image: Kurt Sharpe | DOC

Incorrect!

The answer is 44.

Marine reserves are areas that are completely protected, from the seafloor to the surface of the water. They help scientists understand the impacts of human activities in unprotected areas.

Correct!

Marine reserves are areas that are completely protected, from the seafloor to the surface of the water. They help scientists understand the impacts of human activities in unprotected areas.

Q7: How can you support marine nature from your couch?

A very colourful fish.
Meanwhile, down in the Subantarctic islands
Image: Debbie Freeman | DOC

Incorrect!

You can help researchers identify fish species.

Yes, you read that right – check out Spyfish Aotearoa here.

Correct.

Yes, you read that right – check out Spyfish Aotearoa here.

Q8: What can you take from a marine reserve?

A yawning fur seal sitting on a shore rock.
A fur seal
Image: Rod Morris | DOC

Incorrect!

The answer is nothing but memories.

Correct!

Q9: What can you do in a marine reserve?

People swimming in a bay as seen from a cliff.
Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve
Image: © Benhi Dixon

Not quite.

The answer is, all the above and more!

Correct!

Q10: From which of these Department of Conservation tracks might you spot marine life?

People walking along a boardwalk with a wooden viewing tower in the background.
Ship Creek
Image: Teresa Wyndham | DOC

Yes. In fact, all of theses tracks will give you a chance to see some wildlife.

Just make sure you keep your distance for your safety and theirs – you are walking into their whare (home) after all.

That’s right! Just make sure you keep your distance for your safety and theirs – you are walking into their whare (home) after all.

Well done - you completed Monday's Conservation Week quiz. Be sure to come back tomorrow for the next instalment!