The case for introducing rhinos to Australia

Would you pay to see rhinos in Australia’s savannas and forests? It’s not as outlandish as it sounds – and it could help save the world’s few remaining rhino populations.

Why plastic bag bans triggered such a huge reaction

Despite the obvious benefits of reducing litter and waste, the removal of single use plastic bags from supermarkets has sparked a hostile reaction from some shoppers.

Australia’s newest snake may already be endangered

The ink has barely dried on a scientific paper describing a new species of snake, yet the reptile may already be in danger of extinction due to mining. A team of biologists led by The University of Queensland’s Associate Professor Bryan Fry discovered a new species of bandy-bandy snake at Weipa on the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula.

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.