News from the Environment Institute
Search news stories
Enter a keyword to search news.
Feral Rabbits Evolve in Unexpected Ways
What happens when domesticated rabbits go feral? They don't just revert to their wild form, they evolve new, unpredictable traits. A new study led by Environment Institute member Associate Professor Emma Sherratt reveals that feral rabbits develop distinct anatomical changes not seen in either wild or domestic populations. This groundbreaking work deepens our understanding of how invasive species adapt to novel environments and evolve over time.
An 'Underwater Bushfire' Sparks Urgent Calls Urgent Calls for Action in South Australia
Environment Institute Members are at the forefront of the algal bloom crisis, with the federal government announcing $14 million funding packing to help South Australia.听We are fortunate enough to house leading expert researchers that have been on the front foot to inform the media and government about about the impacts and implications of the agal bloom.
Uncovering The Truth About Sea Snakes
ABC鈥檚 brand new nature series 'Dr Ann鈥檚 Secret Lives' follows presenter Dr Ann as she ventures into the wild with leading scientists to uncover the fascinating and often hidden behaviours of some of the world鈥檚 most elusive creatures. In Episode 2,听Dr Ann joins Associate Professor , Dr , and their team in Dampier Marine Park to explore the secret lives of these mysterious marine reptiles.
听
NEST Planting Day Success
We鈥檙e proud to have supported the first event through NEST this past weekend, an inspiring day of hands-on conservation, community connection, and collaborative learning. Over 2000 rare and endangered plants were successfully planted across 16 properties, restoring swamps and riparian zones with the help of 35+ student and researcher volunteers and 30+ landholders.
听
Tickets Now Available for the International Symposium on Green Urban Futures
Registration is now open for the International Symposium on Green Urban Futures, taking place at the National Wine Centre in 911爆料网, South Australia, on 3鈥4 December 2025. Presented by the Environment Institute, in partnership with Green 911爆料网 and Treenet, the symposium is chaired by Professor Veronica Soebarto, initiative lead of Green Urban Futures and Planetary Health at the Environment Institute.
[Read more about Tickets Now Available for the International Symposium on Green Urban Futures]
Insects in Crisis: Tackling Biodiversity Challenges
The Environment Institute is proud to have supported Professor Austin鈥檚 participation at听the Insects in Crisis symposium was held in Canberra, organised by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). The event brought together environmental practitioners, regulators, and researchers to address the alarming decline of insect biodiversity in Australia and worldwide.
[Read more about Insects in Crisis: Tackling Biodiversity Challenges ]
100 Years of The Koonamore Project
听based in The TGB Osborne Vegetation Reserve at Koonamore, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary year this year, and which makes it the oldest long term ecological study in Australia and one of the oldest in the world.听The site is a clear demonstration of the capacity of recovery in Australian arid ecosystems, even after extreme degradation.
What Border Seizures Tell Us About the Transnational Shark Trade
Environment Institute members Dr Patrick Reis-Santos, Professor Phill Cassey, Professor Bronwyn Gillanders, and PhD Candidate Josephine Lingard looking at the transnational shark trade, showing what they've uncovered as a cause for concern.听With over one-third of shark species now threatened with extinction, largely due to overfishing and international trade, this study provides new insights into the personal use trade of shark products through Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand.
[Read more about What Border Seizures Tell Us About the Transnational Shark Trade]
Applying the IUCN Species Conservation Cycle in Australia
At the IUCN Species Survival Symposium, Dr Jess Marsh co-led a workshop and joined a panel discussion focused on applying the IUCN species conservation cycle鈥攁ssess, plan, and act鈥攖o support national conservation efforts.听These three steps work together: assessing species' status, planning tailored strategies, and鈥攎ost critically鈥攁cting on the ground to deliver conservation outcomes. Each step is essential to preventing extinction, especially for data-poor or hyper-diverse taxa like fungi and invertebrates.
[Read more about Applying the IUCN Species Conservation Cycle in Australia]
How South Australia's Algal Bloom Is Threatening Marine Life and Public Health
Environment Institute members have expressed concern over the toxic algal bloom affecting South Australia's coastline. Professor Justin Brookes highlighted that while algae play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, the current Karenia mikimotoi bloom is toxic and spreading rapidly due to warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters. Future Making Fellow Dr Dominic McAfee described the event as an 鈥渦nderwater bushfire,鈥 urging a coordinated response similar to land-based natural disasters. Both experts emphasised the need for continued monitoring and proactive measures to protect marine life and coastal communities.
[Read more about How South Australia's Algal Bloom Is Threatening Marine Life and Public Health]
![RSS News Feed](/global/images/rss.gif" "RSS News Feed"){kind=small}
Newsletter & social media
Join us for a sensational mix of news, events and research at the Environment Institute. Find out about听new initiatives and听share with your friends what's happening.
听听听