The warty swamp frog, Litoria raniformis, is native to south-eastern Australia and considered endangered. Photo: Dave Young. NEW research has shown that extinction risk is the greatest for the world’s smallest and largest vertebrates, but for very different reasons. By examining a database of more than 27,000 vertebrates, and analysing the relationship between extinction risk …. more
THE world’s largest and most comprehensive study of Australian tidal marshes has revealed they are worth more than $7 billion to the national economy and provided much-needed benchmark data that will guide future management of these vital blue carbon sinks. Dozens of scientists around Australia with expertise in blue carbon joined forces for the three-year …. more
TENS of thousands of gardeners around Australia have reaped the rewards of a modern take on an ancient planting tradition as its creators prepare to mark 10 years of production. Kuranda couple Jean and Ray Scott launched their perpetual Moon Gardening Calendar in 2007 and it has continued orbiting gardening circles with growing success. “We …. more
THE Earth is risking a major ecological breakdown that could eventually render it largely uninhabitable. This is one of the warnings contained in ‘Surviving the 21st Century’ a powerful new book released recently by global science publisher Springer International. Our combined actions may be leading to “. . . gross ecological breakdown that will strike humanity harder …. more
THE Department of Natural Resources and Mining (DNRM) has released a Statement of Proposals to commence the reviews of the Condamine Balonne and Border Rivers water plans. The Border Rivers water resource plan is scheduled to expire in 2019 and will be replaced under the Water Act. Replacing the plan will ensure that the needs of …. more
Zoe collecting samples for further molecular analysis. Photo: WA Museum WHILE coral reefs around the world are feeling the heat, little-known reefs in Australia’s Kimberley region are prospering, despite living in some of the toughest conditions – and scientists aren’t yet sure why. The discovery has particular significance this summer with fears of a severe coral bleaching event …. more