David Riddell has an encyclopaedic knowledge of virtually all of New Zealand's flora and fauna.  While at university he developed a particular interest in birds, and after moving to the Waikato became Regional Recorder for the local branch of the Ornithological Society, a position he held for ten years.   The wetlands and coastal margins of the Waikato have become a focus, for their birdlife, freshwater fish (black mudfish were reared from fry and released) and, more recently, their flora.  He has been involved in a number of volunteer conservation projects, including two weeks on Stewart Is (kakapo) and in the Mercury Islands (Pycroft's Petrel, Grey-faced Petrel and other seabirds).

Since 2000, David has been employed by Kessels & Associates as a Senior Ecologist.  He has been involved in numerous surveys of forests, scrub, wetland and estuarine habitats during this time.  Projects include assessments of large scale subdivisions, assessments of proposed infill and dredging activities and assessments of protected natural areas for clients such as the Department of Conservation and Auckland Regional Council (now Auckland Council).  More recently, having recognized David's skills in this field, Environment Waikato have used him to peer review several estuarine and coastal margin development applications as part of the resource consent process.

Example Publications (excluding Consultancy Reports)

Riddell, David J. 1981: Notes on the stream macrofauna of Cuvier Island.  Tane 27, 33-36.

Riddell, David J. 1982: Early life history of captive-reared Gobiomorphus basalis (Osteichthyes: Eleotridae).  Tane 28, 207-212.

Riddell, David J. 1983: Marine Natural Product Research and its Potential Commercial Significance in New Zealand.  Fish Processing Bulletin No. 5. DSIR, Auckland.  100p.

Riddell, D.J. 1985: The Enoploteuthidae (Cephalopoda: Oegopsida) of the New Zealand Region. Fisheries Research Bulletin No. 27. Fisheries Research Division, New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.  52p.

Riddell, David 1996: Miranda - a Wildlife Haven. Kiwi In Flight 2, p.25.

Riddell, David 1996: ...But Would You Want to Live There? (article on White Island tourism).  Kiwi In Flight 3, 36-37

Riddell, David 1998: Environment Awareness (article on Landcare groups).   A Touch of Freedom, Summer Edition, p.22.

Riddell, David 1998: The Year of the Oceans. A Touch of Freedom, Summer Edition, p.23.

Riddell, David 1999: Epidermal Growth Factor: Properties, Health Issues and Relevance to Dairy Goat Products.  Unpublished report for the Dairy Goat Co-operative (NZ) Ltd.  16p.

Riddell, David 1999: Ginseng Extracts: Pharmacology, Health Benefits and Safety Issues. Unpublished report for the Dairy Goat Co-operative (NZ) Ltd.  13p.

Riddell, David 2003: Antarctica New Zealand - Exploring the Frozen Continent.  A Touch of Freedom 21, 82-84.

Riddell, David; Taylor, Annette 1991-1992: "Our Wildlife" column, National Farming News.