Biodiversity
Demand for steak fuelling deforestation and extinction in NSW
The NSW biodiversity outlook suggests the state is set lose nearly a quarter of all known plant and animal species in the next 100 years, and habitat loss from land clearing especially in the agricultural industry is the biggest cause.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
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Marine life
Major WA tourism drawcard still in the lurch as businesses consider closing shop
There is still no plan for a new Penguin Island discovery centre more than a year on from a decision to stop an on-island build.
- by Holly Thompson
The gold-flecked American lothario who got lost in a sewage plant
The off-course plover, covered in golden flecks that indicate his readiness to take a mate, should have landed in the Arctic for his species’ breeding season.Â
- by Bianca Hall
The aggressive native birds muscling rivals out of Melbourne
Ravens are among the adaptable, aggressive native birds thriving in Australia’s large cities, at the expense of smaller native and even some introduced species.
- by Adam Carey
Fire ants attack a nest of green ants
Invasive fire ants can injure and kill Australian wildlife, such as koalas, echidnas and turtles, particularly defenceless hatchlings.
Drying and dying: South West forests face potential ‘collapse’
From Albany to Kalbarri, native vegetation which has evolved to cope with heat and little water is failing to withstand the extra burden from climate change.
- by Peter Milne
Rock snot to spiky crawling fish: Pests threatening to reshape Australia
The wood-boring beetle wreaking havoc on Perth’s grand Moreton Bay figs is just one of many invasive species keeping experts up at night.
- by Nick O'Malley
New housing is being built in Cranbourne. But it’s not good news for the (furry) locals
A housing estate in Cranbourne will swallow one of the city’s last refuges for the endangered southern brown bandicoot.
- by Adam Carey
Backlash over renewables rollout pushes projects into native species habitat
The Albanese government is caught between twin pledges to double renewable energy and to end Australia’s steady stream of native species extinctions.
- by Mike Foley
Sydneysiders are being paid to convert their properties to national parks
Landowners can earn up to $420 per hectare every year for land placed under a conservation agreement in NSW as Australia grapples with an extinction crisis.
- by Amber Schultz
Australia’s own ‘special’ sea turtle at stake with nests under threat
Australia’s north is the only place you can experience the wonder and awe this species inspires. But scientists say their nests could become dangerous places.
- by Peter Milne