Native Animals
The grasshopper that was lost, then found, is now endangered
After thought to be extinct, the Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper was found; but as its habitat shrinks, University of Melbourne research finds it’s now endangered.
The wallaby that's permanently pregnant
The swamp wallaby is the the only mammal known to be pregnant and lactating throughout the female’s entire adult life finds new University of Melbourne research
Rediscovering a ‘lost’ species
A rare insect species, Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper, was thought to be extinct in Victoria but has now been rediscovered by University of Melbourne researchers.
The science that stops possums eating your garden
When possums ate her garden, University of Melbourne's Professor Lynne Selwood fought back and invented a spray that protects plants from possum browsing.
A wombat, a koala and a rabbit in a burrow
A camera trap captures footage of a wombat, a koala and a rabbit emerging from the same burrow, and University of Melbourne experts aren't sure why.
Tracking the climate threat to Australia’s unique ecosystems
Australia's biodiversity is under threat from climate change; University of Melbourne research has identified 8 case studies of how our ecosystems are changing.
On the DNA trail of the platypus
Researchers at the University of Melbourne are embarking on the largest ever investigation into platypus distribution, using environmental DNA samples.
The invisible colours protecting birds from overheating
University of Melbourne research finds the nanostructure of a bird's feathers can regulate its body temperature by reflecting or absorbing near infrared-light
Grasshoppers: The new poster bug for insect conservation
University of Melbourne researchers have discovered Key's matchstick grasshopper is threatened, and are now looking into how it can be reintroduced in Victoria.
Why we’re all in a flap about our favourite birds
The Guardian Australian Bird of the Year poll shows just how much we love our native birds, and there's good reason, says a University of Melbourne expert.