Environment
Conservation
Updated
Sharks
How an AI-powered early shark warning system could protect Sydney beaches
An alert system using autonomous drones to detect sharks could be in place by summer, scientists say.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons and Max Maddison
Latest
Opinion
Shark debate
We have the technology to prevent shark bites. Will we use it?
From drones, to smart drumlines and personal devices that deter attacks, we have better ways to keep swimmers and surfers safer, but we need to deploy them.
- by Culum Brown
Analysis
Sharks
Shark bites are becoming more common – but a cull won’t work
With Saturday’s shark attack and a horror summer, it is hard as an ocean-loving Sydneysider not to feel under siege.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Bailout backing was offered to Zoos Victoria a year before job cuts
The Allan government offered to provide bailout guarantees for Zoos Victoria, 12 months before the organisation announced plans to axe an estimated 70 roles.
- by Bianca Hall
The failing that threatens Melbourne’s ‘most liveable’ claim – and its residents’ wellbeing
A study of national parks has found proximity to wild areas “reduces stress, improves mental health and lowers healthcare costs”.
- by Bianca Hall
The reef is dying. So why can up to 190 tonnes be chopped out each year?
While the Great Barrier Reef suffers repeated bleaching, a little known and legal trade permits tonnes of live coral to be shipped overseas for use in aquariums.
- by Bianca Hall
Opinion
Endangered species
I mentioned quolls. Not one person knew what they were
Invasive predators are being normalised while native species are being driven towards extinction.
- by Nicola Barton
Australia’s most seen bird? After 5 million sightings, the answer’s in
More than 64,000 enthusiastic twitchers took place in BirdLife Australia’s Aussie Bird Count, counting and recording 5.27 million birds.
- by Bianca Hall
Manly’s penguin colony is precarious. What would it take to save it?
There are just 15 breeding pairs returning to nest at Manly each year, and the population is stubbornly refusing to grow.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Exclusive
Brumby cull
The brumby population exploded again. This time fertility darts will be tested
The NSW government has committed to a trial of fertility control for wild horses in the park, a measure that has been heavily pushed by the Animal Justice Party.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Exclusive
Biosecurity
The tiny beetle that could wipe out half the trees in our cities
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are at huge risk if the shot-hole borer makes its way from Western Australia because the climate is more favourable to the pest.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons