Japan’s fleet is on its way to the Southern Ocean for more “scientific” whaling. But a new resolution pointing out the importance of whale poo could help remove Japan’s rationale for lethal research.
Articles on Ecosystems
Displaying 261 - 280 of 319 articles
Floods are often seen as a force of destruction. But as river ecologists, we find it hard not to rejoice at the flooding.
Keeping non-native reptiles as pets is against the law – with good reason. Alien species traded on the black market can potentially establish themselves in the wild if they are released or escape.
Fire has been viewed as the main protagonist in creating Africa’s iconic savannas. However, new research shows that browsing animals created savannas millions of years before fire became important.
They ‘engulf living prey, suck out their innards, poison them, harpoon them, make them explode, and steal and reuse body parts’. And we ignore them at our peril.
Michael McCarthy’s memoir is a timely reminder of the destruction of the natural world.
Restoring habitats have numerous benefits, they can also benefit humanity. But it is for people to be convinced that they can actually do good.
Whether you live in an urban apartment or a rural homestead, your outdoor area is more than just a private space. It’s a thriving ecosystem.
Member of the Climate Council this week returned to one of the areas of the Great Barrier Reef that was worst affected by this year’s coral bleaching. What they found was far from encouraging.
Large-scale natural experiments such as oil spills, tsunamis and climate change are things you wouldn’t want to do on purpose. But that doesn’t mean they’re not scientifically useful experiments too.
Scientists are pioneering a new way of monitoring water species, using techniques more familiar to fans of crime scene TV shows.
We should celebrate these amazing insects, not splat them.
The Leuser ecosystem in northern Sumatra is home to some of the world’s rarest and best-loved animals. Thanks to a new government moratorium on land clearing, conservationists have enjoyed a big win.
The alpine landscapes of Australia’s southeast and Tasmania are home to hundreds of rare plants and animals. They’re healthy for now, but need careful looking after.
Termite damage costs Australian homes at least a billion dollars each year – but they are absolutely vital for ecosystems.
The bleaching hitting the Great Barrier Reef not only harms corals. As these close-up photos show, it also deprives many other species of a home and livelihood.
Animals and plants may not be able to keep up with the speed of climate change. We could help them move.
Australia’s defence forces manage huge swathes of land which are home to valuable ecosystems. The new defence white paper finally acknowledges the importance of looking after them.
Extreme weather will affect people and animals, as well as whole ecosystems. Research using satellites shows that ecosystems worldwide are vulnerable to collapse.
The world must embrace an economy where people and the planet are what matters the most.
Top contributors
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Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University
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Professor in Conservation Science, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland
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Associate Professor, Global Ecology, University of Sydney
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ARC Future Fellow, Queensland University of Technology
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Honorary Research Fellow, University of Sydney
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Professor in Ecology, Charles Sturt University
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Professor, Obafemi Awolowo University
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Research fellow, Charles Sturt University
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Professor Emerita, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University
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Professor, Water and Landscape Dynamics, Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University
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Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology and Node Leader in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures, Flinders University
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Lecturer in Ecology, University of New England
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Associate Professor in Ecology, Charles Sturt University
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Ecologist and Researcher, Flinders University
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Professor in Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Queensland