Australian scientists crack the koala’s genetic code

A team of Australian and international scientists have made a significant breakthrough by successfully sequencing the full koala genome.

Newly recognised seabird species already critically endangered

A newly identified species of diving petrel in New Zealand is already threatened by coastal erosion of the birds’ sand dune habitat.

Drought weakens trees resistance to pests and diseases

A new review paper examines the death of trees from drought and dehydration using specialised non-invasive methods, a timely issue as Australia’s drought worsens and the world grapples with climate change.

The media feeding frenzy

The media loves a good shark tale, but sensationalist stories of shark attacks stoke up public fears far beyond the point of reason and, in reality, entire shark species are under threat from mankind.

Feral cats kill 650 million Australian reptiles every year

Australian cats are killing about 650 million reptiles per year, according to new research published in the journal Wildlife Research. The findings are based on a study of more than 10,000 cat dietary samples that were contributed by researchers from across Australia.

It’s easy being green – or not?

Most people are now rightly concerned about the environment, but does popular concern necessarily translate into effective action?

Make your floors more eco-friendly

The floors of our homes are our most used, yet often least considered surfaces. Choosing the right type of material can improve the value and utility of our homes while reducing their environmental impact.

Proposed NSW logging laws threaten vulnerable species

Controversial proposals to intensify logging in New South Wales’ public forests threatens the survival of threatened species and the long term health of our precious natural environment.

Pygmy perches once swam across arid Southern Australia

Pygmy perches were, at some point in ancient history, able to swim east to west in freshwater in a area of central southern Australia which is now completely dry, suggesting rivers once flowed in areas of the country which are now completely arid.

Investing in coral reefs could protect global communities

Coastal development and climate change are increasing the risk of flooding for communities across the globe.  Unfortunately, the coral reefs which provide a first line of defense to countries around the world are being rapidly degraded.

The cow with the face of a bulldog

Scientists have used the latest genetic and anatomical techniques to study the remains of a cow with a short face like a bulldog that fascinated Charles Darwin when he saw it in Argentina 180 years ago.

Farmers’ illegal slaughter of wedge-tailed eagles must end

The growing slaughter of native eagles by farmers across Australia threatens their survival and could further upset the nation’s fragile eco-system.