Issues around the natural environment
Cane toads (Bufo marinus) are natives of South and Central America. They were introduced into Australia in 1935 to help control the beetles which were decimating our sugarcane crops. Cane toads were useless in controlling the cane beetles but they have become a...
Endangered Red Panda Modern zoos not only exhibit animals, they also act as safe houses for many endangered species, and they play a crucial role in preserving our precious genetic diversity. A good example of the conservation work zoos undertake is an international...
Environmental Special Many people are concerned about the welfare of the planet, but are unsure about what they can, or should do to help. In the past, scientists, government bureaucrats and the media told us a lot of things that simply did not make sense, and this...
Frilled Lizard The sun-loving frilled lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is the reptile emblem of Australia, and also the inspiration for the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games mascot “Lizzie”. Frilled lizards are common in the monsoonal woodlands of northern...
The Eastern Gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) is native to the rivers draining the Gulf of Mexico, but it has been distributed worldwide to control mosquitoes. It was introduced into Australia in the 1920s, but has not been any more effective at controlling mosquitoes...
During a bushfire, some trees burn and fall over, but others don’t fall for hours or days later. Sometimes the trees are structurally weakened, like the hollow one shown in our segment. Other times the trees dry out and lose water pressure in the trunk or branches,...
John Dengate explained that in spring, as the day length increases, birds are preparing for the breeding season. Male birds sing, display and defend their territories vigorously, attacking rivals and chasing them away. This is a good survival strategy because it means...
Dung Beetles We have over 350 native species of dung beetle in Australia, and about 22 species that have been introduced and become established. Dung beetles have been introduced into Australia from places like Mexico, Spain and South Africa. They were brought in to...
Lightning Struck Gum Don looked at a gum tree (Eucalyptus nicholii) that was struck by lightning three weeks ago. The side of the tree that was struck is now completely dead, with a scar of exposed red brown bark from top to bottom. All the electrical equipment in an...
Mirage on the Road If you’ve ever thought you saw a pool of water or some dark shadows lying across the road on a hot, clear day, you’ve seen a mirage. Don explained what actually happens. On a hot, sunny day, the air just above a road heats up. As the air...