Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 12h

Read more @aunz.theconversation.com @chloefrick.bsky.social theconversation.com/these-little...

Read the paper: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

#NewResearch #ScienceNews #Conservation #Biodiversity #Woylie #Bettong #NationalPark

These little bettongs were wiped out in South Australia a century ago. Now they’re thriving alongside foxes and feral cats

Predatory foxes and cats prowl South Australia’s national parks. But the successful reintroduction of an endangered bettong proves coexistence is possible.

theconversation.com

3

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 12h

🧪 Science Spotlight 🧪 Researchers have successfully reintroduced brush-tailed bettongs into a National Park, despite the presence of feral predators like cats and foxes.

Bettongs sourced from populations with larger body sizes and previous predator exposure survived better.

A small, wallaby-like animal stands on its hind-legs. Text overlay says: New science - Brush-tailed bettongs reintroduced to SA National Park after over 100 years.

1 7 33

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 5d

🌸 Spring has arrived in Australia, meaning native bees are buzzing around searching for food, mates and suitable nesting sites.

Now is the perfect time to provide habitat for our pollinating friends by building a bee hotel 🐝🧪

biodiversitycouncil.org.au/resources/bu...

1 17 49

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 6d

With the passing of Dr Jane Goodall, the world has lost a pioneering researcher, animal-welfare advocate and conservationist. Her tireless advocacy inspired generations to protect nature and her legacy will continue to shape conservation for decades to come.

theconversation.com/...

1 7

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 7d

Read more about how you can turn your home into a wildlife refuge @aunz.theconversation.com @icon-science.bsky.social

theconversation.com/from-frog-sa...

From frog saunas to butterfly puddles: 8 ways to turn your homes into a wildlife refuge

Urban sprawl has forced native animals and humans to live close together. Here are eight ways to make your home a refuge for wildlife.

theconversation.com

1 3

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 7d

What if we changed urban spaces to invite wildlife back into our cities rather than forcing them out? When Wildlife Moves In, a new work at the National Gallery of Victoria, explores ways our homes can be designed to help wildlife live among us, benefiting human health 🧪

whenwildlifemovesin.com

An illustration of an urban space with lots of greenery. Text overlay says: How can we invite wildlife back into our cities? Explore solutions in the new artwork When Wildlife Moves In.

3 7 21

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 8d

Great Southern Reef monitoring program needed to plug major data gaps in understanding SA bloom | Biodiversity Council Australia

Experts call for an effective government-supported monitoring program to be established for the Great Southern Reef, with funding at least equivalent to the Great Barrier Reef’s monitoring program.

biodiversitycouncil.org.au

3

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 8d

The Great Southern Reef, which supports $11.5B/year in fisheries and tourism, lacks a coordinated government monitoring program despite its size and value. At a Senate inquiry last week, we presented the case to establish a monitoring program for the reef to protect this vital ecosystem 🦑

1 5

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 14d

It’s great to see WA Gov has committed to improving its state cat laws to enable local governments to prevent pet cats from roaming; a win-win-win solution for wildlife, cats and human health. NSW is now the only state who hasn't updated their laws.

@drbrucewebber.bsky.social #cats #biodiversity

Three cats sit calmly on an indoor cat tree. Text overlay says: WA Government set to allow local councils to stop pet cats from roaming; A win-win-win solution for wildlife, cats and human health

1 4 13

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 15d

To help, consider contributing to public databases like @inaturalist.bsky.social

📷 Snap pics as part of the Great Southern BioBlitz @gsbioblitz.bsky.social : www.greatsouthernbioblitz.org/about

🐞 Get involved in the Christmas beetle count over summer: www.inaturalist.org/projects/chr...

1 6

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 15d

Invertebrates like bees and butterflies are declining worldwide, but Australia lacks long-term monitoring to track the scale of the problem. Without it, we can’t respond effectively.
Until then, citizen scientists play a key role in filling the gap 🐝🧪

theconversation.com/spring-air-i...

A bronze beetle on a chewed up leaf. Text overlay says: Australia desperately needs a national insect monitoring program; Citizen scientists called on to plug data gaps.

1 2 24

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 19d

✨Science Spotlight✨ A Melbourne study shows gardened nature strips attract more insects than lawn - boosting bees, beetles & butterflies 🐝. Providing habitat and resources in urban spaces can make a big difference for biodiversity 🧪🌍
@philippabell.bsky.social

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

Flowers by the roadside. Text overlay says: Citizen-led nature strip gardens attract more insects than lawn, study finds.

2 18 52

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 20d

🌿 This Biodiversity Month, meet Dr Sophie Russell, who researches restoring SA’s coastal ecosystems to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss & coastal resilience. For Sophie, nature is grounding & joyful. 🌊 How do you love spending time by the coast?

#BiodiversityMonth #marinelife

2 11

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 20d

We're pleased that the Shooters Party’s Hunting Bill has been withdrawn after strong opposition, as the Bill threatened to undermine effective invasive species control. Pressure still needs to be maintained to ensure the Bill isn’t revisited by the NSW Government.

#Conservation #NSWPolitics

Bushwalkers taking a hike in the Aussie bush. Text overlay says: Controversial Hunting Bill withdrawn - a win for conservation and public safety

1 4 17

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 21d

A bleached and damaged coral reef. Text overlay says: Ecosystems are being pushed towards collapse. Rising temperatures, changes in rainfall and more frequent extreme weather events are forcing species to adapt to the new conditions, migrate to new locations or die out.

A dry riverbed. Text overlay says: The declining health of Country threatens traditional practices and knowledge systems. Climate change is putting at risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ ability to connect with and care for Country.

A salmon fishing catchment in the ocean. Text overlay says: Loss of nature will impact primary industries and the economy. Declining ecosystems will impact the delivery of ecosystem services important to agriculture and fisheries, like the presence of pollinators or nursery habitats like seagrass and mangrove forests.

1 3

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 21d

Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment has sounded a stark alarm bell for our incredible biodiversity - nature faces the highest level of climate risk of any system analysed and is projected to continue declining if stronger action isn't taken urgently. More in thread 🧪

#ClimateAction

A koala. Text overlay says: What does Australia’s first Climate Risk Assessment say about the future of our environment?

A bushfire raging in front of a silhouetted mountains. Text overlays says: Nature is the most at-risk system from climate change. Climate risk to Australia’s natural environment is currently rated high to very high and is projected to reach severe by 2050 - the highest risk level of all systems assessed in the report - highlighting the urgent need for action.

A lush, misty forest. Text overlay says: Climate change is weakening nature’s vital carbon sinks. Forests, wetlands and oceans are being compromised by the impacts of climate change and other human activities, impacting their capacity to sequester carbon and driving further climate change.

2 3 10

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 21d

The NSW Independent Planning Commission has rejected plans to restart Redbank Power Station based on expert evidence that native vegetation clearing to fuel the station would cause unacceptable environmental impacts.

@biofuelwatch.bsky.social #biofuel #ClimateAction #biodiversity #redbank

A bird sitting on a tree branch. Text overlay says: Redbank Power Station proposal rejected - a win for biodiversity. A quote from Biodiversity Council policy and innovation lead Lis Ashby says: “Key to the decision was the significant negative impacts of clearing native vegetation to produce fuel for the power station.”

2 9

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 21d

The Biodiversity Council joined 25 signatories, including conservation, animal welfare and domestic violence prevention groups, in an open letter urging Premier Minns to reject new hunting laws, citing risks to public safety and nature.
biodiversitycouncil.org.au/news/open-le...

#conservation

Pigs walk in dry grass. Text overlay says: Peak bodies urge NSW Premier to reject controversial hunting bill. A quote from Biodiversity Council policy and innovation lead Lis Ashby says: “Extensive evidence shows that recreational hunting is not effective at reducing populations of the most problematic feral animals in NSW.”

1

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 26d

Light pollution harms wildlife like bats, birds and turtles, & is linked to human health issues. Join other experts in signing the petition calling on the Fed Gov to reduce light pollution before it closes on 19 Sep.
biodiversitycouncil....

#lightpollution #DarkSky #biodiversity

7 7

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 27d

🌿 This Biodiversity Month we’re spotlighting researchers protecting nature. Meet @julesfarquhar.bsky.social who studies venomous snakes to help people coexist safely. He hopes curiosity will inspire more of us to see snakes as fascinating, not frightening. 🐍 Seen one lately?

#BiodiversityMonth

5 14

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 27d

Join leading experts in signing a petition calling for national legislation to reduce #LightPollution - a fast-growing threat to Australia’s biodiversity, climate action and human health. Petition closes 19 Sep
@euanritchie.bsky.social

biodiversitycouncil.org.au/news/experts...

A bright city at night. A quote from Prof Euan Ritchie says: “Smart lighting regulation is a win-win. It helps protect wildlife, cuts energy use, improves human health, and restores the wonder of a starry night sky."

Sydney harbour without light pollution, showing the milky way galaxy. A quote from Prof Theresa Jones says: “Communities are passionate, and even lighting engineers are advocating for change. It’s time to put lights only where they are needed, into places where they are needed and for as long as they are needed.”

A pastel pink moth sitting on white cloth. A quote from Dr Jess Marsh says: “Light pollution is a trap for night flying insects like moths, disrupting movement patterns, life cycles and exposing them to predators. Light pollution regulation helps free them from this threat, ensuring these small but important creatures can continue their important functions in the ecosystem.”

There are two quotes. The first from Dr Kaori Yokochi says: “Microbats help maintain ecosystem health by keeping insect populations in check, but artificial light reduces bat diversity and activity. Light pollution regulation will help these tiny superheroes thrive in our cities.” The second quote from Prof Nicki Mitchell says: “A baby sea turtle entering the water for its first swim is awe-inspiring. It’s less good to find them wandering through coastal car parks. Keeping hatchlings in the dark is key to giving them the best start in life.”

6 12

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 28d

Light pollution impacts other wildlife, too, especially those active at night. Writing to your local member of parliament is a great way to affect change in your local area, especially if you can get others to write in. There are great resources online to help.

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 28d

That's amazing! Hope to see more of this in Australia

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 28d

Can we help coral reefs adapt to climate change? | Biodiversity Council Australia

Researchers have been developing techniques to increase the heat tolerance of corals for over a decade, but human intervention can only take us so far.

biodiversitycouncil.org.au

Biodiversity Council @biodivcouncil.bsky.social · 28d

Marine heatwaves are devastating Australia’s coral reefs. Researchers have spent over a decade developing methods to increase the heat tolerance of corals, but stress that these efforts are not a silver bullet. Climate action remains essential to save our reefs 🧪🦑

@la-cientifica.bsky.social

An image of a healthy reef system sits above a bleached reef. Text over the image says: Can we help coral reefs adapt to climate change? Q&A with coral geneticist Dr Kate Quigley.

1 1 9