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Wildlife conservation – Analysis and Comment

The last male Northern white rhino died in February. Two females remain, but extinction seems likely. (Shutterstock)

A ban on captive animals could speed up extinction

We can’t save all endangered species, but we could save some. Zoo populations will be the last hope for many threatened species.
The thorny devil, one of Australia’s many remarkable and unique animals. Euan Ritchie

Australia’s draft ‘Strategy for nature’ doesn’t cut it. Here are nine ways to fix it

Most of Australia’s plants and animals are found nowhere else on Earth. This remarkable biodiversity requires a bolder, brighter conservation vision.
Most Australian kangaroo species, such as the bettong, are largely out of sight and out of mind. AAP Image/EPA

Yes, kangaroos are endangered – but not the species you think

A new documentary makes some controversial claims about the health of kangaroo populations. But the real threat is not to Australia’s iconic kangaroos – it’s to dozens of other, obscure species.
An Antarctic icebreaker sails past a penguin. But conservationists are still waiting for their own breakthrough. John B. Weller

Why are talks over an East Antarctic marine park still deadlocked?

Australia is among nations calling for a 1 million square km marine park off East Antarctica. But Russia and China remain opposed, and a recent summit yet again failed to seal the deal.
Australia’s species, like this green python, are remarkable, and need far better protection. Jenny Martin

Australia’s species need an independent champion

Australia’s species, like this green python, are remarkable and need far better protection.
On the prowl in the outback. Hugh McGregor/Arid Recovery

For whom the bell tolls: cats kill more than a million Australian birds every day

For the first time, researchers have estimated the toll taken by feral and pet cats on Australia’s bird life - and the numbers are high enough to push several species towards extinction.
Gene drives aim to deliberately spread bad genes when invasive species such as mice reproduce. Colin Robert Varndell/shutterstock.com

‘Gene drives’ could wipe out whole populations of pests in one fell swoop

Releasing just 100 mice carrying a faulty gene designed to stop them reproducing can remove an entire population of 50,000, a new study shows, paving the way for new eradication efforts.