Invasive Species

The research breaks down the financial and medical strain a complete infestation would have on Queensland households.

Around half of the nation's total known night parrots live in a patch of the Great Sandy Desert in Western Australia. While dingoes appear to protect them, the potential effects of a proposed road are less clear.

Authorities wipe out feral deer on Wild Duck Island off the central Queensland coast in a bid to preserve one of Australia's largest flatback turtle rookeries. 

Oakley, the six-year-old border collie, is a conservation detection dog who sniffs out noxious alligator weed in Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin.

New research shows taste-aversion therapy helps hundreds of freshwater crocodiles avoid poisoning by cane toads spreading across the Kimberley.

Deer are increasingly being seen by bushwalkers and gardeners in the Mitcham Hills in Adelaide, where it is estimated about 300 exist around Brown Hill Creek and Crafers West.

Feral cats continue to plague Australia, costing farmers billions and pushing native animals to extinction. Researchers say to solve the problem, we should change tack and target one of their main food sources — rabbits.

A bevy of small mammals and lizards could find themselves on the endangered species list if cane toads got into the Pilbara. A bold plan could prevent the biodiversity disaster, but more money is needed to fund the project before toads reach the coast in 2026–27.

DNA testing has confirmed invasive fire ants found at a southern Queensland army base are linked to the existing Brisbane infestation, prompting calls for an audit of all Defence land.

An outbreak of invasive fire ants in one of the largest catchments of the Murray-Darling Basin has experts worried four states could be affected if the pest spreads.

Queensland man Ron Gooch has been at war with the asparagus fern for decades. He hopes a tool he's created for removing the invasive species will help to turn the tide.

The eastern barred bandicoot was formerly extinct in the wild on the Australian mainland, but an increase in numbers on Phillip Island is giving conservationists cause to celebrate.

Googong Dam was considered mostly carp free until recently, and though the invasive species poses no threat to Canberra's drinking water supply, anglers fear the popular freshwater fishing spot will suffer.

The Invasive Species Council says the venomous ants could "take advantage" of heavy rainfall in south-east Queensland and move into new areas.

A 15cm-long cane toad found in Broome is believed to have travelled there in a vehicle from an infested area, and authorities expect there will be more.

Scientists says bludgeoning the invasive pests with a golf club or running them over with a car isn't just cruel — it's also potentially dangerous.

Rats have a reputation for being disease-carrying vermin. But some experts say this is overshadowing the intelligence and potential of some rat species.

Test your knowledge of the fascinating, hilarious and ground-breaking science discoveries from 2023. We promise it's more fun than a science test.

Conservationists say it was "incredible" to find that a Manning River turtle had laid a dozen precious eggs as part of a breeding program aimed at saving the critically endangered species.

Once the saviour of stranded sailors on the Great Barrier Reef, Percy Island's goats are facing eradication by officials. But advocates hope that promoting the heritage breed for food will help protect them.