Federal budget to ‘turn the tide’ on nature destruction
Animals and plants at risk of extinction will be overseen by two powerful agencies as the federal budget outlines funding for a range of environmental measures.
nature
Aussie scientists name ‘amazing’ new tree frog species
Five new species of frogs, including one with camouflage that makes it look like bird poo, have been described by Australian scientists.
Cassowaries critical in spreading native seeds
An Australian study has shown just how important Cassowaries are to native plant seed dispersal in highly fragmented rainforest areas.
Deep ocean in deep trouble as Antarctic ice melts
A life-sustaining circulatory system for the deep ocean will quickly slow and may collapse entirely without emissions cuts this decade, Australian experts say.
Off-the-scale clean up as rotting fish threaten water
Specialist crews are being sent to Menindee in outback NSW to remove dead fish from the Darling-Bakaa after the biggest mass in living memory.
Cultural burning is safer for koalas and better for people too
Koalas are an iconic endangered species living in a fire-prone environment. This makes them an ideal subject when investigating solutions to wildfires.
Crocodiles are uniquely protected against fungal infections. This might one day help human medicine too
As the threat of antibiotic-resistant microbes grows, so does our need for new and effective treatments. Could the defensins of these beasts hold the answers to help create a new wave of life-saving therapeutics?
The healing powers of Australia’s Clean Up campaign
Aussies will rally this weekend for Clean Up Australia Day but it's more than just a boost for nature. It's also a lesson in the restorative power of community.
Intrepid biologist makes stunning lizard find on island
A new species of gecko believed to have evolved in isolation over millions of years has been discovered on a remote, rocky island on the Great Barrier Reef.
Landlocked moulting penguins just need a little space
Penguins are about to strip off at beaches across southern Australia, ramping up the pint-sized seabird's exposure to predators, including domestic dogs.
We found 29 threatened species are back from the brink in Australia. Here’s how
Australia’s natural world is in deep trouble. Many of our species are getting rarer. Some are now perilously close to extinction, while entire ecosystems face collapse.
Norfolk Island braces for damage as Gabrielle nears
Norfolk Island is preparing for Cyclone Gabrielle to bring gale-force winds and very heavy surf as it reaches the remote Australian territory.
Thieves swipe rare orchids from WA conservation garden
Up to 900 of Western Australia's rarest orchids have been stolen from a conservation garden in a devastating blow for two species teetering on the brink.
Fireworks deliver long-term hit for wildlife: study
Fireworks can cause breeding and other long-term problems for wildlife and it's time to move to lower-impact spectacles, a new study says.
Federal laws fail at-risk species: report
Federal laws that are supposed to provide greater protection for the habitats of threatened species simply do not, a new analysis shows.
‘Toadzilla’ found in national park
A giant toad weighing in at a record-breaking 2.7 kilograms has been found next to a hiking trail in north Queensland.
‘Toadzilla’ found in national park in Qld
A giant toad weighing in at a record-breaking 2.7 kilograms has been found next to a hiking trail in north Queensland.
‘More potent than cyanide’: how to stay safe from blue-ringed octopus this summer
Blue-ringed octopus are famed for being one of the most venomous animals on the planet, and the symptoms from a bite are the stuff of nightmares. But how worried do you need to be?
Expert hiding skills reveal hawk’s secrets
One man's excellent impersonation of a leafy mound is helping unlock the secrets of one of Australia's rarest birds of prey.
Nature pact a win despite flaws: minister
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek says Australia can be proud of its role in negotiating a landmark pact to address the global nature crisis.
Wetlands alive with birdlife after floods
Colonies of ibis, egrets, herons, swans and ducks have been observed breeding in wetlands across eastern Australia after record-breaking floods.
Australia promises more cash for nature
Australia has promised ongoing funding to help developing countries protect nature as the environment minister heads to a biodiversity summit in Canada.
Island dunnarts bounce back after blazes
A species of tiny marsupial that teetered on the brink after bushfires raged across half of Kangaroo Island is recovering with the help of a cat-proof fence.
Developments to face independent umpire
Labor has detailed how it will fix Australia's nature laws with green groups welcoming moves to shift development decisions to an independent adjudicator.
Australia urged to lead at nature summit
Australia has been challenged to lead from the front at a UN conference that aims to halt the destruction humans are inflicting on the natural world.
Race on to save ‘butterflies of the sea’
Critically endangered sea slugs are among the diverse marine life under Victoria's Phillip Island Bridge in need of urgent protection, say conservationists.
Scientists to restore tropical seagrass
Researchers will investigate restoration techniques for key tropical seagrass species, from Queensland's Great Barrier Reef to the north of Western Australia.
Captive teens make break for freedom
A new push to breed endangered western quolls is off to a cracking start and there are high hopes for a batch of youngsters just released in South Australia.
Itchy fish use sharks as scratching posts
Itchy fish fearlessly ambush much larger sharks and use the coarse-skinned predators as scratching posts, an Aussie researcher says.
Horror-film moth a killer at navigation
The moth that had a horrifying cameo role in The Silence of the Lambs cult classic has shed new light on the mysteries of long-haul insect migrations.
Race to save Antarctica’s sleeping giant
The world's largest ice sheet is called a 'sleeping giant' for good reason and Australian scientists say the race is on to prevent a horrible awakening.