Invasive species
The changing life of Antarctica’s ice-free ‘islands’
Warmer temperatures mean more ice-free areas and increasing terrestrial habitat in Antarctica, but that’s not necessarily good news for Antarctic natives.
Reclaiming our rivers from feral carp
Five years ago, ECOS reported on new research investigating the potential for a biological control to manage the problem of carp in the Murray-Darling river system. The ongoing research is now part of a $15m national plan.
Moon kite missing in the Simpson
The letter-winged kite, or moon kite, is the enigmatic raptor of Australia’s arid zone which comes and goes with the boom and bust of this vast region. But lately, concerns have been raised about its future.
Rainwater tanks overflowing – with mosquitoes
More than 20% of domestic rainwater tanks inspected in Melbourne homes have been found to harbour egg-laying mosquitoes. What can we do to keep them out?
Feral animals are running amok on Australia’s islands – here’s how to stop them
More than 1000 islands and 1200 threatened species. Which feral animals do you decide to focus on to provide the greatest benefit to island species?
On-country enterprises for healthy communities and a healthy environment
Programs to build Indigenous and scientific knowledge partnerships are tackling a range of contemporary sustainable development issues.
Managing feral pigs on Cape York: it’s not a numbers game
About 3000 feral pigs are culled every year in the Archer River Basin on Cape York. But is this helping to protect the things we care about? Together, local people and scientists are building a case for targeted pig management in place of culling programs aimed at killing as many pigs as possible.
Invasive ants get fired from Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Tropical Fire Ant Project won the Biodiversity category of the 2015 United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards, for two of the largest invasive ant eradications ever achieved
Pests and pathogens hitching a ride
There’s a downside to modern travel and trade networks: pests and pathogens hitch a ride. Nowadays, as a 2014 CSIRO report shows, the question isn’t ‘if’ something nasty arrives – it’s ‘when’.