The fraying patchwork of nature

Relentless land clearing for agriculture, mining and urbanisation is isolating and disconnecting Earth’s protected natural areas from each other, a new study shows.

Australia’s conservation laws are failing our endangered species

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is failing to protect Australia’s increasing numbers of critically endangered species and the wild habitats they require to survive.

Surprise! It’s a praying mantis

A new study has for the first time illuminated the evolutionary history of the bizarre anti-predator defence – the praying mantis startle display – and suggests that the element of surprise may be key to its success. 

Complying with Victorian guidelines on using recycled water

Major amendments to Victoria’s Environment Protection Act are expected to be passed in 2021, and this paper offers professionals and others a standard method for calculating infrastructure requirements in agricultural water recycling proposals.

Crazy like a flying fox

New research led by scientists at Western Sydney University and published in BMC Biology shows that flying-foxes are always on the move among a vast network of roosts, creating key challenges for their management and conservation in Australia.

New study finds agricultural pesticides can affect prawns and oysters

New research from Southern Cross University has highlighted the importance of managing the potential impacts of pesticide run-off in areas of intensive coastal agriculture.

The freshwater fish facing extinction

Twenty-two native freshwater fish are likely to become extinct within the next twenty years, unless there is new conservation action to save them, according to a national assessment published in Pacific Conservation Biology.

Reducing demand in the wildlife trade

Shutting down wet markets trading wildlife for food and traditional medicine is only part of the challenge in stopping future viruses from turning into pandemics like Covid-19.

A return to the wild for better immune systems

A research team led by the University of Adelaide has found that revegetation of green spaces within cities can improve soil microbiota diversity towards a more natural, biodiverse state, which has been linked to human health benefits.

Artificial reefs boost estuary fish numbers

In a boost for both recreational fishing and the environment, new UNSW research shows that artificial reefs can increase fish abundance in estuaries with few natural reefs.

Putting the environment first

The ongoing independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act offers Australia an opportunity to reset the dial and prioritise environmental custodianship over profit-led destruction.

Understanding ‘eco-cultural’ identity

The importance of the environment is often downplayed as merely one in a sea of global issues. However, the environment is not only indistinguishable from these issues, it is fundamental to who we are.