What could be a better way to celebrate than sharing some time with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and a small collection of friends from University of Sydney. The discussion was centered partly on the past, with a view to the future. Dr Karl introduced what he considers the three most significant scientific developments of modern time; discovery of penicillin, the internet, […]
The River Red Gum is Australia’s favourite tree
Our favourite tree for 2022 has been decided and the public vote has crowned the River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The final five was dominated by eucalypts, Snow Gum Eucalyptus pauciflora second, with Ghost Gum Croymbia aparrenrinja third, Moreton Bay Fig Ficus macrophylla and the Mountain Ash EucaIyptus regnans. Find out more about the competition and makeup of the top ten […]
Uncategorised
19 sec read
Open Public Consultations – August 2022
Selection of consultations available for public contribution. Sources include NSW Department of the Environment. NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee Preliminary Determination Lord Howe earthworm Pericryptodrilus nanus Jamieson, 1977 (Megascolecidae) – proposed Critically Endangered Species listing – Preliminary Determination open for comment until 27 August 2022. NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee Preliminary Determination Eucalyptus canobolensis (L.A.S.Johnson & K.D.Hill) J.T.Hunter – proposed […]
Uncategorised
46 sec read
Drones eradicating invasive Argentine Ants on Norfolk Island
The Argentine Ant is an invasive species controls its environment in two interesting ways. The first is its application of agricultural farming, yes farming. One of its ingenious methods is herding aphids. Its a mutually beneficial relationship. The aphids receive protection, while they feast on plant life and in turn the ants thrive on the honey-dew, produced by the ants. […]
Science & Technology
56 sec read
How to identify an animal by sound
Often an animal will be heard, long before it is seen and sometimes may not be seen at all. This applies to birds, insects and a range of other animals, at least the ones that can be heard within the range of the human ear. So what are the best ways to identify an animal by sound alone. Many organisation […]
Citizen Science
1 min read
Vote now for Eucalypt of the Year
How will you celebrate National Eucalypt Day on 23 March. This annual event draws attention to the vast array of species, many of which are only found in Australia. There are over 900 species in Australia forming the background for areas as diverse as mountain forests to deserts, in protected areas, reserves, parklands and backyards. Planting a tree is good […]
Botanical
44 sec read
UN warn governments are unprepared for expected 50% increase in global wildfires
The UN Environment Programme report Spreading like Wildfire: The Rising Threat of Extraordinary Landscape Fires, identifies the need to focus money on reducing risk of wildfires and providing greater support for front line emergency staff. These will only come from improved planning and the current global related expenditure on planning effort is less than 1%. The paper calls for adoption […]
Science
24 sec read