About
I have a PhD in Zoology from the University of Canterbury where I researched the effects of forest fragmentation, edge effects, and matrix habitat on frogs in the Amazon, Brazil. This work was jointly funded by the Smithsonian Institute, Washington and the WWF, and culminated in the publication of multiple scientific publications and book chapters.
I also hold a Master of Science (1st class honors) where I researched the eco-physiology of New Zealand geckos including tolerance to cold. I have recently completed a Masters in Planning (with distinction) at the University of Otago where my 2016 research has focused on decision-making around Section 6c of the RMA. I was awarded a University of Otago Masters Scholarship, and a RMLA award to complete this research. To complement my Planning I have a broad range of ecological skills, with a strong expert background in herpetology (native frogs and reptiles) with over 30 years’ experience researching the biology and conservation management of New Zealand fauna; and writing RMA AEEs, EcIAs and management plans.
I am a skilled field worker and have designed and implemented monitoring studies, ecological surveys, translocations, and have been involved in policy development and restoration projects. I am an author of book chapters, scientific and popular articles on New Zealand native lizards and frogs, including recovery plans for nationally threatened species. I have also written multiple best practice manuals, technical guidance documents and strategic plans. I am an excellent communicator and have given numerous presentations at national and international conferences.
NZ Lizard identification – expert ID facebook page
Qualifications / professional memberships
2016 Master of Planning (with Distinction), University of Otago
1996 PhD. Zoology, University of Canterbury
1992 MSc., Zoology (with first class honours), University of Canterbury
1990 BSc., Zoology, University of Canterbury
Member of the Society for Reptile and Amphibian Research in New Zealand, the New Zealand Amphibian Specialist Group for the IUCN, and a current member of the DOC Herpetofauna Advisory Group, the Native Frog Recovery group, the RMLA and the New Zealand Reintroduction Specialist Group., Associate editor for the NZ Journal of Zoology.
Publications
Consulting Reports
2011-present more than 40 Contract reports completed for private clients. Selected examples are those available in the public domain and include:
Ryder, G., and M. Tocher. October 2020. Review of Values, Freshwater Restoration Programmes and Research Needs Within the Taieri Catchment. Report prepared for the Department of Conservation by Ryder Environmental.
Tocher, M.D. 2018: Consent Guidelines for Lizard Management, prepared for Environment Canterbury, Christchurch. 105 pp.
Tocher, M.D. 2017: The Wildlife Act (1953) and the RMA (1991); advice provided to Environment Canterbury, Christchurch. 2p plus Appendix.
Tocher, M.D. 2016. Rayonier New Zealand Ltd and Matariki Forests FSC re-assessment, 27-30 June 2016. Contract Report, prepared for SGS Ltd.
Tocher, M.D. 2016. Wenita FSC audit 23-26 August 2016. Contract Report, prepared for SGS Ltd.
Tocher, M.D. 2015: Lizard & frog habitat disturbance/removal: Technical guidance for RMA, Concession, Access Agreements and Pastoral Lease applications. Contract Report, prepared for Department of Conservation. 38 pp. plus appendices.
Tocher, M.D. et al. 2015: Fauna habitat values of sites dominated by exotic vegetation in Canterbury. Contract Report, prepared for Environment Canterbury, Christchurch. 51 pp.
Patrick, B., McCllelan, R., Martin, T., Tocher, M., Borkin, K., McKoy, J., & Smith, D. (2014). Guidelines for undertaking rapid biodiversity assessments in terrestrial and marine environments in the Pacific.
Tocher, M.D. 2013: New Zealand guidelines for conservation-related lizard translocations. Contract Report, prepared for Department of Conservation, Wellington. 22 pp.
Tocher, M.D. 2013: Key principles for lizard salvage and transfer in New Zealand. Contract Report, prepared for Department of Conservation, Wellington. 16 pp.
Science and Technical Publications & Reports
Tocher, M.D in prep [for NZ.J. Zoology]. Population status of MacKenzie green skinks (Oligosoma prasinum) and scree skink (O. waimatense) in old river terraces of the Pukaki outwash plain.
Wakelin Michael, James Tweed, Tanya Blakely & Mandy D. Tocher (2023). Hunt for the Tekapo tiger (… beetle), New Zealand Journal of Zoology, DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2023.2228216.
Germano Jennifer M., Richard Earl, Mandy Tocher, Petra Pearce and Jenny Christie. The conservation long game: Leiopelma species climate envelopes in New Zealand under a changing climate, Published online: New Zealand Journal of Ecology (2023) 47(2).
Wren Sally, Phillip J. Bishop, Antony J. Beauchamp, Ben D. Bell, Elizabeth Bell, Javiera Cisternas, Paulette Dewhurst, Luke Easton, Richard Gibson, Amanda Haigh, Mandy Tocher, and Jennifer M. Germano (2023). A review of New Zealand native frog translocations: lessons learned and future priorities. New Zealand Journal of Ecology (2023) 47(2).
Tocher Mandy D., Theo Stephens, Professor Claire Freeman, and Chris Garden (2017). Biodiversity Maintenance and Protection Under Both Clauses of s 6(c) of the RMA. Resource Management Theory & Practice 2017, pages 136-260.
Tocher, M. (2016). Biodiversity Maintenance and Protection under RMA Section 6(c) (Thesis, Master of Planning). University of Otago.
Phillip J. Bishop, Lisa A. Daglish, Amanda J.M. Haigh, Leigh J. Marshall, Mandy D. Tocher and Kate L. McKenzie Native frog (Leiopelma spp.) recovery plan, 2013-2018. Department of Conservation.
Hitchmough, R., Barr, B. P., Lettink, M., Monks, J. M., Reardon, J. T., Tocher, M., … & Rolfe, J. R. (2013). Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2012. Publishing Team, Department of Conservation.
Newman, D. G., Bell, B. D., Bishop, P. J., Burns, R., Haigh, A., Hitchmough, R. A., & Tocher, M. (2010). Conservation status of New Zealand frogs, 2009. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 37(2), 121-130.
Hitchmough, R. A., Hoare, J. M., Jamieson, H., Newman, D., Tocher, M. D., Anderson, P. J., … & Whitaker, A. H. (2010). Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2009. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 37(3), 203-224.
Tocher, M. D. (2009). Life history traits contribute to decline of critically endangered lizards at Macraes Flat, Otago. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 125-137.
Collen, R., Reardon, J., & Tocher, M. (2009). Grand skink (Oligosoma grande) and Otago Skink (Oligosoma otagense) Captive Management Plan. Department of Conservation, New Zealand.
Tocher, M. D., Fletcher, D., & Bishop, P. J. (2006). A modelling approach to determine a translocation scenario for the endangered New Zealand frog Leiopelma hamiltoni. The Herpetological Journal, 16(2), 97-106.
Tocher, M. D. (2006). Survival of grand and Otago skinks following predator control. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 70(1), 31-42.
Pledger, S., & Tocher, M. (2005). The inter-island translocation of the New Zealand frog Leiopelma hamiltoni. Applied Herpetology, 2(4), 401-413.
Berry, O., Tocher, M. D., Gleeson, D. M., & Sarre, S. D. (2005). Effect of vegetation matrix on animal dispersal: genetic evidence from a study of endangered skinks. Conservation Biology, 19(3), 855-864.
Jewell, T. & Tocher, M. (2005) Skink bomb. New Zealand Geographic, 74, 23–25.
Tocher, M. D., Norbury, G. 2005. Predicting extinction proneness and recovery in Grand and Otago skinks. Kararehe kino: Vertebrate pest research.
Tocher, M. D. & Brown, D. (2004). Leiopelma hamiltoni homing. Herpetological Review 35, 259-261.
Berry, O., Tocher, M. D., & Sarre, S. D. (2004). Can assignment tests measure dispersal? Molecular Ecology, 13(3), 551-561.
Guimarães, L. D. A., Pinto, R. M., Juliano, R. D. F., & Tocher, M. D. (2004). Natural history notes: Anura. Herpetological Review, 35(3), 259.
Tocher, M. D. (2003). The diet of grand skinks (Oligosoma grande) and Otago skinks (O. otagense) in Otago seral tussock grasslands. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 30(3), 243-257.
Pledger, S., & Tocher, M. D. (2003). Capture-Recapture Analyses of the Frog Leiopelma pakeka on Motuara Island. School of Mathematical and Computing Sciences Research Report, 03-10.
Whitaker, A. H., Tocher, M. D., & Blair, T. (2002). Conservation of lizards in Otago Conservancy. Department of Conservation, Wellington.