animal animal diseases nature

Bird handling ‘confusion’ as new case confirmed

A suspected bird flu case in Queensland has been cleared, but wildlife rescuers have complained of mixed messages and scarce facilities regarding sick birds.

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Seabird negative for bird flu, quarantine centre grows

Fears Australia's bird flu outbreak had spread to a fourth state have been allayed after a petrel suspected of carrying a deadly strain tested negative.

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Flat out: even geckos cook in warming climate

Two reptiles confined to one of the hottest parts of the country are threatened with extinction by global warming.

ecosystem endangered species nature wildlife

Going ballistic: spider spins a spring-loaded trap

A bizarre new species of spider has been discovered in the rainforests of far north Queensland that spins a unique trap to snare a single species of ant.

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In danger: more reef funding amid dreaded ruling threat

Another rescue plan for the Great Barrier Reef has been unveiled as critics warn new mining approvals are fuelling destructive marine heatwaves.

animal nature science (general)

Humpback whale clocks new record after mega migration

A humpback whale has travelled a distance further than Sydney to London, in a record for longest proven migration by the species.

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Snakes alive! Nature’s greatest storyteller turns 100

Nature-lovers across Australia are planning remarkable displays to celebrate renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday.

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‘Elvis of birds’: clue found in hunt for elusive parrot

Researchers are racing against time to find and protect a critically endangered parrot after a decade-long search led to audio of the rare bird's call.

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Smelly spawning heralds new life on fragile reef

Scientists have harvested millions of coral babies in a bid to help a bleached reef regenerate after it was lashed by a destructive cyclone.

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Cyclone-hammered reefs can take many years to recover

Coral reefs and their fish populations can take many years to recover after being hammered by severe tropical cyclones, researchers say.

nature science and technology wildlife

Tiny frogs making themselves at home in concrete jungle

Tiny frogs that usually call the rainforest floor home are moving up into man-made concrete dwellings as the perfect tropical retreat, a study has found.

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Wet year brings on-land nature wins but oceans suffer

Australia's environment has enjoyed another above-average year of rainfall, though climate change has been stressing oceans and vulnerable species.

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Snow gum dieback raises fears for largest river system

The snow gum forests of Australia's high country are dying, and it could have profound consequences for the nation's largest river system.

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Popular rat baits restricted over wildlife impacts

Conservationists are celebrating after the pesticides regulator moved to restrict rodenticides from sale due to their severe impact on native wildlife.

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Owl be damned: regulator stops short of rat poison ban

Conservationists are pushing for a regulator to outlaw a common class of rodenticides having pervasive effects on owls and other native animals.

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Dingo attack led to backpacker’s drowning: coroner

A young backpacker drowned after she was forced into waters by dingoes at a popular holiday destination while on a working holiday, a coroner has found.

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Fossil wonderland submitted for World Heritage listing

A 58,000-hectare Australian expanse containing some of the world's oldest evidence of animal life could be included on the prestigious World Heritage list.

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How mirroring nature might just save the humble oyster

Oyster reefs are already a restoration priority and Australian research could boost survival rates of the water-filtering, habitat-providing species.

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Beaches set for holiday reopening after shark attacks

Popular beaches are expected to reopen in time for forecast hot weather across the long weekend after dozens were closed due to a series of shark attacks.

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Man’s back and legs mauled in croc attack near creek

A man in his 20s has been airlifted to hospital following a crocodile attack in north Queensland, suffering puncture wounds to his back and legs near a creek.

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Citizen scientist discovers ‘extinct’ native plant

A native plant species has been rediscovered decades after it was presumed extinct, highlighting the power of citizen science data in research and conservation.

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Gardens glory as four corpses bloom in one week

Visitors to a tropical botanic gardens are being enthralled by a collection of plants that produce a rancid odour likened to rotting flesh, and worse.

environmental issue nature wildlife

Magpies paralysed as illness strikes swooper-stars

An unknown illness has left a wildlife hospital overwhelmed with injured magpies, while across the country a mysterious outbreak is killing the songbirds.

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Bee-sieged island keeping deadly mite at bay

An island that is home to a unique population of honey bees hopes biosecurity measures will protect it from a deadly parasite taking hold across Australia.

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Drivers told to paws and think of road risk to koalas

Wildlife volunteers remind drivers to keep their eyes peeled for koalas as summer road trips begin, with a spike in the number of car strikes in one region.

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Environment reforms to pass after Labor-Greens deal

The first major changes in decades to Australia's long-criticised environment laws aim to better protect natural sites and speed up project approvals.

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New offers made as clock starts ticking on nature talks

Environmentalists are pleading with the government to strike a deal with the Greens on major reforms which could include a crackdown on native forest logging.

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Germany supports Brazil’s forest plan at climate talks

World leaders gathered on the edge of the imperilled Amazon rainforest for a second day of talks at the world's most important meeting on climate change.

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The ecological disaster threatening Australian seabirds

Thousands of dead seabirds washed up on Australia's coastline two years ago following a marine heatwave and scientists warn history could repeat.

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Aussies urged to join the big Bug Hunt for science

Aussies who have overwhelmingly backed a project to count native birds are now being asked to look under their feet - to stop invasive species in their tracks.

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Film recognises frontline Indigenous climate rangers

A documentary is raising awareness of the importance of Indigenous Protected Areas and drawing attention to the rangers who are dedicated to caring for Country.