They came ashore with the convicts, sailors and marines on the First Fleet in 1788. Black rats were the first of Australia's unwelcome arrivals that have disrupted ecosystems and wiped out wildlife across the land.

Now researchers at the University of Sydney have shown how the rats' quick learning and keen sense of smell can be exploited to dramatically reduce their attacks on native birds. Dr Catherine Price and Associate Professor Peter Banks say the technique could be adapted to protect vulnerable species around the world.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/undone-by-rat-cunning-20121022-2812o.html

Climate change will place increasing pressure on Australia’s natural environments in the future. Queensland is no exception.

CSIRO and the Queensland Government recently conducted an in-depth review and synthesis of the existing scientific literature. The resulting report shows that climate and ocean changes will affect Queensland’s marine, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in ways that are more widespread and, in many situations, more extreme than currently recognised.

Read more: http://theconversation.edu.au/climate-change-is-placing-increasing-pressure-on-queenslands-ecosystems-10201