It’s been a familiar sight around Perth for decades — flocks of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos winging their way to their evening roost sites. Enjoy them while you can. Updated research from BirdLife Australia shows that flocks are getting smaller as the population of these large, white-tailed, black-cockatoos declines each year. “Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos are found only in […]
Tag: Australia
Video: Cancer-free Tasmanian Devils returned to homeland
The Tasmanian devil population has plummeted to around 10,000 from an estimated 250,000 before 1996, when Devil Facial Tumor Disease was first discovered. The disease causes large lumps to form around the animal’s mouth and head, making it hard for it to eat. “Tasmanian Devils in the wild have been absolutely decimated by this disease,” […]
WIN a birdwatcher’s kit with Australia’s Natural North & South
For an amazing variety of birdwatching experiences, South Australia and the Northern Territory offer a wide range of habitats and thus an incredible diversity of species, from the Great Australian Bight in the temperate south to the Timor Sea in the tropical north. Whether you are a couple or single traveler with a specific target […]
Two of Australia’s three wombat species under threat from killer disease
Two of Australia’s three native wombat species are under threat from a disease which can leave the animal blind and deaf, and eventually kill them. A project launched by the University of Western Sydney is calling on the wider community to help track wombat health, and hopefully stop the spread of the sarcoptic mange disease […]
Video: A cassowary, one of the world’s most dangerous birds, in attack mode
Cassowaries are capable of inflicting fatal injuries on animals and humans. Luckily this one is only attacking a tree. Today, the Queensland government announced Australia’s only cassowary rehabilitation centre, which had been earmarked for closure, has been granted interim funding. This article was first published by The Guardian on 11 Aug 2015.
Scientists discover lizard that changes sex in the sun
A lizard that changes sex in the sun has been discovered by scientists. It is the first time the phenomenon has been seen in reptiles in the wild and could have implications for other animal species because of climate change. The cold-blooded Australian Central Bearded Dragon is widespread on red sandy areas in the semi-arid […]
POLL: Should New Zealand fur seals be culled in South Australia?
A South Australian MP wants a fur seal cull along parts of the SA coast because they are causing problems for other wildlife and the fishing industry. Liberal MP Adrian Pederick moved a motion in state parliament on Thursday calling for a management plan and a sustainable harvesting of New Zealand fur seals. Seal numbers […]
How does the Brown Thornbill Scare off Predators?
A tiny Australian bird, the brown thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla), mimics the hawk warning calls of neighboring bird species to protect its nest from predators such as the pied currawong. “It’s not superbly accurate mimicry, but it’s enough to fool the predator,” said Dr Branislav Igic of the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia, lead author […]