Australian cities need to green up their buildings

Research shows that encouraging greenery on Australia’s city buildings will reduce temperatures as well as create new habitats for wildlife – and human socialising.

Smart city planning can preserve old trees and the wildlife that needs them

The ecological value of old trees is irreplaceable for native Australian fauna. Identifying and preserving these trees in cities through smarter planning strategies is important for local wildlife.

Combined stresses push nation’s ecosystems to ‘tipping point’

New research argues suggests that Australia’s ecosystems are at a ‘tipping point’ due to the combined stresses of climate change and extreme weather events.

Irrigation and development threaten the birds of Narran Lakes

A long-term UNSW Sydney study shows the impact of irrigation and development on the breeding of colonial waterbirds in Narran Lakes.

Saving the northern white rhino from ‘extinction’

There are only two female northern white rhinos left in the world, but the species could soon make a comeback thanks to assisted reproductive technologies and a little help from their southern cousins.

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.