Kate – Before it's gone…

Please explain: The ins and outs of coral bleaching

Posted on March 5, 2017 KateLeave a commentPosted in Marine, Please explain

Coral bleaching has been back in the headlines again recently – surely we’re all aware of it by now.

Our Cloud Forests need your help – Volunteer and escape to the lush wildlife haven of Northern QLD

Posted on June 5, 2012 Kate1 CommentPosted in Cape York, crawly, East coast, feathered, furry, Nocturnal, North QLD, Places, scaly

This month not for profit organisation Earthwatch are busy chasing volunteers for their expeditions to discover more about the unique and fascinating wildlife of our Cloud Forests here in Queensland…
Escape the sounds of the bustling city as you step into the lush and tranquil tropics on Earthwatch’s Wildlife of the Cloud Forests expedition. The sounds of a bird chorus at dawn and trickling waters of nearby creeks and streams will be your new home, as you immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Australia’s next Cane Toad? The turtle pest threatening our shores

Posted on March 6, 2012April 10, 2012 Kate2 CommentsPosted in Ferals, scaly

An interesting news story caught my eye this week – a group of kids were found playing in a suburban Sydney street with a Red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans). Luckily, a passer by recognised the turtle for what it was, and reported it to NSW DPI.

Biodiversity: A hot topic this month

Posted on September 27, 2011January 8, 2012 Kate2 CommentsPosted in Backyard, Cape York, Central Australia, Central QLD, crawly, East coast, Eyre Peninsula, feathered, finned, furry, Mallee, Marine, North QLD, NSW coast, scaly, South Australia, South East QLD

The arrival of spring is not the only reason to celebrate in September, it’s also national biodiversity month.
It provides a chance to celebrate Australia’s magnificent flora, fauna and landscapes; and to promote the conservation of our unique native wildlife.
To wrap up NBM 2011, I thought we’d reflect a bit on what “biodiversity” means in Australia.

Native rats reap the rewards of another bumper wet season

Posted on June 6, 2011June 13, 2011 Kate3 CommentsPosted in Central Australia, furry

Sweeping flourishes of green from renewed growth, splashes of brown, yellow and red where flood waters have washed away the dust and revealed new, fresh earth – and potholes the size of 44 gallon drums! And, of course, the wildlife has gone nuts!

Backyard Beauties: The Cairns Birdwing Butterfly

Posted on May 3, 2011May 9, 2011 Kate44 CommentsPosted in Backyard, crawly, North QLD

Australias largest endemic butterfly, the Cairns Birdwing Butterfly, is well known for its spectacular wing colouration, and it’s life cycle is just as impressive…

Life is still hard in the Murray

Posted on April 12, 2011April 19, 2011 KateLeave a commentPosted in finned, Mallee, South Australia

Heavy flows have finally funnelled their way down to the Coorong, topping up waterholes and filling the floodplains of the Murray along the way. Many iconic plants and animals have been revelling in their newly restored habitats. Perhaps none so much as the Murray Hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis). This small, native fish is truly hanging by a thread.

Rainforest frogs still tinkering away…

Posted on March 9, 2011March 9, 2011 Kate1 CommentPosted in Central QLD

A world first captive breeding program offers hope for the rehabilitation of Queenslands dissappearing rainforest frogs

Can the Cassowaries weather Yasi’s storm?

Posted on February 8, 2011March 12, 2011 KatePosted in feathered, North QLD

Endangered Cassowaries are even more vulnerable to extinction after two cyclones in the past 5 years caused severe damage to critical rainforest habitat

Things in the Night Part 1: An Orb Weaving Creature of Habit

Posted on January 31, 2011March 12, 2011 KateLeave a commentPosted in Backyard, crawly, Nocturnal

This species is not endangered and it’s not hard to find… it’s just darn fascinating!

While enjoying a drink on her deck every afternoon at 5.30pm, a colleague of mine has noticed a spider building its web – in exactly the same location. Every morning at 7am, while having her coffee, she observed the spider ‘eating’ its web, then tucking himself under the bark of a tree. Same spider, same spot, at the exact same time each morning/night.