Island Conservation
In Australia, the native Bilby has become a sign of springtime. The sale of chocolate bilbies raises awareness of the importance of protecting this native marsupial from invasive species. Around the world, many people think of rabbits as a sign of springtime. But in Australia, rabbits are an invasive species and, being known for the havoc […]
Conservationists are working to remove invasive species from Curtis Island, Australia in hopes of creating a bright future for native Capricorn Yellow Chats. On Curtis Island, Australia a bright yellow bird has been fighting the prospects of a dark future. Yellow Chats (Epthianura crocea) are found throughout Australia, but Capricorn Yellow Chats (Epthianura crocea macgregori), a […]
Conservationists are working on a new approach to protect the Endangered Norfolk Island Green Parrot by relocating chicks to a nearby, invasive species-free island. Conservation and innovation go hand in hand, because sometimes, all familiar approaches to saving a species are inadequate. When tried and true tactics don’t work, the only thing left to do is […]
The newly established Lawan Reserve in Victoria, Australia expands and protects the habitat range for the Malleefowl and other native birds. Central Victoria is home to a slew of unique and endangered species. One such species is the Vulnerable Malleefowl, which has an estimated population size of eight to twenty individuals within the reserve. The Malleefowl […]
New research reveals that protecting water sources on hot days will help the Endangered Night Parrot. One of Australia’s most precious native birds is the Endangered Night Parrot. This species was rediscovered in 2013 after being considered extinct for over a century, but is now threatened by invasive feral cats. The bright green parrots are, as their […]
Feral cat-free islands offer a safe home for threatened and endangered native species. Australia has a big problem – a feral cat problem, that is. A recent study published in the journal of Biological Conservation by Dr. Sarah Legge and Dr. Brett Murphy at the University of Queensland revealed that 99.8% of the land mass has […]
New research explores the connection between geographical distribution and the colors of bird feathers. Birds have reasons for looking the way they do–and we have modest understandings of these. Blending in can offer protection, while standing out can promote reproduction. Gloger’s rule states that birds living in humid climates tend to have darker pigmentation. Darker feathers […]
After decades of restoration, Big Rat Island is on its way to becoming quality seabird habitat once again. The Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Western Australia have undergone years of restoration aimed to rid the archipelago of invasive species like rats, feral cats, and ice plant, which have inhibited burrowing bird species from nesting. The […]
National Parks in Australia are working hard to combat invasive species that threaten endemic plants. Australia’s native species face a number of threats–including fires, habitat loss, and invasive species. These have led to dramatic declines in populations of both flora and fauna. Celmatis dubia and Acacia equisetifolia, for example, are both at risk of extinction. […]
Sightings of Endangered Night Parrot suggest the species is doing better than previously thought. The Endangered Australian native Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis) was believed to be extinct for over 100 years until 2013. Now, more and more sightings suggest that this nocturnal bird species is doing better than previously thought. However, the Night Parrot is still very […]