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The article focuses on a collaborative conservation project between Queensland pastoralists and conservationists aimed at rescuing the endangered golden-shouldered parrot, exploring the challenges posed by modern land use and the decline of its habitat. Topics discussed include the parrot's unique nesting habits, the impact of pastoralism on grasslands, and the efforts of Conservation Partners and private landowners in restoring habitat and preventing further population decline.

The Nature Repair Bill has been passed by the Federal Parliament in Australia, creating a "nature repair market" that aims to protect and restore biodiversity. The bill excludes biodiversity offsets, which have been found to lead to net biodiversity loss, and expands the scope of the "water trigger" under national environmental law. The Biodiversity Council has welcomed the legislation but emphasizes the need for rigorous rules and standards, as well as ensuring the involvement of First Nations organizations and communities. Critics have raised concerns about the potential reliance on offsets and the need for sufficient funding for nature repair. The bill is seen as a step in the right direction, but there are still uncertainties and challenges to be addressed in implementing the market. [Extracted from the article]

Australia has been identified as the country with the highest proportion of unique plant species on earth, with almost 9 in 10 Australian plant species being endemic. However, a report released at a global meeting of plant conservation experts highlights that Australia needs to do more to prevent the decline and extinction of its unique plants. The report states that only 39% of Australia's unique plant species have had their threats and conservation status assessed, compared to 87% in New Zealand and South Africa. The conservation of plants is crucial for maintaining functioning ecosystems and habitat for many species, and Australia needs to commit more resources to protect its unique biodiversity. [Extracted from the article]

Invertebrates underpin Earth’s ecosystems – so if their numbers decline, the ecological damage will be felt far and wide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concern about the impacts of roaming cats has led almost onethird of councils to introduce cat-free areas, cat curfews and containment requirements at all or some places in their local government area. To support fair and effective management of pet cats we recommend all states and territories adopt strong and nationally consistent legislation to enable responsible pet cat management. [Extracted from the article]

Indigenous knowledge and tracking skills are being utilized in one of Australia's largest wildlife monitoring projects. Skilled trackers are able to read animal signs such as footprints, droppings, and diggings to gather information about the presence and behavior of various species. By combining traditional ecological knowledge with scientific analysis, researchers have collected nearly 49,000 animal detections at over 5,300 sites since 1982. This data has provided new insights into desert wildlife, including the range and habitat preferences of different species. The project also highlights the importance of Indigenous engagement in monitoring and conserving the biodiversity of Australia's desert landscapes. [Extracted from the article]

FEATURES THE Biodiversity Council has assessed the May 2023 Federal Budget as making some small and important steps towards better protecting nature, but "overall is grossly inadequate to halt biodiversity declines and recover nature". Biodiversity Council member Rachel Lowry, from WWF Australia, said there appeared to be little additional money for on-ground conservation action despite large, rapid and well documented declines in Australia's threatened species. The Biodiversity Council brings together leading experts, including Indigenous knowledge holders, to raise awareness of Australia's biodiversity crisis and to promote evidence-based solutions. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the urgent need for effective environmental reforms in Australia, particularly focusing on the government's proposed "nature positive" bills aimed at addressing biodiversity crises. Topics discussed include the establishment of new regulatory agencies, the introduction of national environmental standards, and the necessity of defining a clear baseline for measuring progress in conservation efforts.

The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced a major overhaul of the Biodiversity Conservation Act in response to the scathing Henry Review, which found the current laws to be ineffective. The government plans to implement 49 out of 58 recommendations made by the review, including reforming biodiversity offsets, aligning laws with national and international goals, and setting targets to conserve landscapes and species. However, there are still gaps in addressing land clearing, which is a significant driver of species and ecosystem loss in the state. The government also promises to increase transparency, recognize First Nations cultural values, and expand private land conservation agreements. The failure to take stronger action against native vegetation clearing and the undermining of biodiversity laws by other state laws are identified as unresolved problems. The government plans to produce maps identifying areas of high biodiversity value but did not institute development no-go zones around critical habitats. The reforms are seen as progress, but the state's natural infrastructure has been steadily eroding, with poor river health, species extinctions, and projected extinctions without major reform. The article emphasizes the importance of functioning ecosystems for human well-being and calls for stronger protection of biodiversity. [Extracted from the article]

The Albanese government in Australia has introduced legislation to create a new statutory body called Environment Information Australia. The proposed agency aims to make environmental data more accessible by pooling data from multiple sources, including governments, universities, research infrastructure platforms, industry, and citizen scientists. The agency will fill a gap in environmental management but will not improve outcomes for nature on its own. The legislation also includes requirements for producing comprehensive national environmental economic accounts and increasing the public sharing of data. The proposed agency will play a role in measuring progress towards becoming "nature positive" and protecting critical habitats. However, there are concerns about the government's proposed definition of "nature positive" and the need for strong environmental protection laws. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on the potential extinction of various frog species in Australia. Among the species at risk of extinction based on a study by the Threatened Species Recovery Hub are the Richmond Range mountain frog, the Giant burrowing frog, and the Yellow-spotted tree frog. Also cited is the comment of Charles Darwin University ecologist Hayley Geyle on their study.

A recent national survey in Australia found that the majority of people support requiring pet owners to contain their cats to their property. Currently, many pet cats in Australia roam freely, posing risks to wildlife, public health, and neighborly relations. Local governments are increasingly implementing regulations that require cat containment, citing benefits such as improved pet welfare, reduced wildlife deaths, and decreased nuisance to neighbors. However, some state laws prevent local councils from enforcing cat containment. To ensure compliance, effective communication, enforcement, and support from federal, state, and territory governments are necessary. [Extracted from the article]

A Harry Potter nightwalk experience at a wildlife sanctuary on the Mornington Peninsula has raised concerns about the potential harm to nocturnal animals. Research shows that artificial light, sound, and the presence of large crowds at night can negatively impact wildlife, affecting their hormone levels, navigation abilities, and reproductive success. Similar light shows in other wildlife conservation areas have faced opposition due to potential harm to threatened species. While the event organizers claim to have carefully considered the placement of props, lights, and sounds, evidence suggests that the impact on wildlife will still be significant. It is important to find suitable locations for such events that do not interfere with wildlife conservation areas. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Biodiversity Council highlights the negative impact of artificial light on nocturnal animals in Australia. The Australian government has launched a campaign urging people to reduce light pollution to protect wildlife. The report suggests eight ways to minimize light pollution during Christmas, such as using warm-colored lights, reducing the intensity of lights, and avoiding leaving lights on all night. The study emphasizes the importance of minimizing light pollution to help wildlife survive other environmental pressures. [Extracted from the article]

FEATURES NEW RESEARCH published in Austral Entomology has identified the top 26 Australian butterfly species and subspecies at greatest risk of extinction within the next 20 years. Many caterpillars of the small bronze azure are tended by one species of sugar ant (Camponotus terebrans) and the ants are rewarded by a sugary secretion produced by the caterpillars. Australian fritillary the most at risk Australia's most imperilled butterfly is the Australian fritillary (Argynnis hyperbius inconstans) from the east coast. [Extracted from the article]

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has released a draft feral cat management plan. The plan also prioritises ongoing cat control in areas with important populations of threatened species that are highly vulnerable to cats, but which can persist as long as cat numbers are kept low. [Extracted from the article]

Avian influenza Avian influenza or bird-flu is a viral disease found in birds. New myrtle rust strains When a strain of myrtle rust arrived in Australia in 2010, itspread quickly along the east coast, infecting 358 differentnative plant species including eucalypts, bottle brushes and lillypillies. [Extracted from the article]

Most Australians were supportive of introducing new policies thatcould help protect biodiversity. Most Australians (97%) want more action to protect nature, even ifthey don't know the full extent of the biodiversity crisis. We asked people about their attitudes to nature, how muchthey participated in "pro-biodiversity" behaviours such as nativegardening and sustainable consumption, and how concerned theywere about biodiversity loss. [Extracted from the article]

Breeding threatened mammals in fenced, predator-free areas is a common conservation strategy in Australia. We will assess how quickly woylies can regain their anti-predator traits and what predator levels woylie populations can withstand. "Too small and carefree": endangered animals released into the wild may lack the match-fitness to evade predators. [Extracted from the article]

John Morton/Flickr, CC BY Walk your dog on a leash in natural areas so it can't chase andscare native wildlife. Off-leash dogs scare and can attack native wildlife. JaanaDielenberg cat hunting nightCats are excellent pets -- and excellent killers of wildlife if letloose. Theo Crazzolara/Flickr You can help threatened species like this critically endangeredmala by donating to private land conservations organisations thatdo on-ground biodiversity management. [Extracted from the article]

FEATURES GLO:wau/01dec21:42n1.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): The beautiful nursery frog is restricted to a mountain peak in the Daintree Rainforest of north Queensland. Our frogs in greatest peril The study found that four species are likely to already be extinct: Queensland's northern gastric-brooding frog, mountain mist frog and northern tinker frog, and the yellow-spotted tree frog from the Australian Alps. Another four species are hanging on in the wild but are likely to be extinct by 2040 unless there is effective new action to save them: the southern corroboree frog and Baw Baw frog in the Australian Alps, and the Kroombit tinker frog and armoured mist frog in Queensland. [Extracted from the article]