Nature

person canoeing on a calm river

Environment

Ten things you should know about legally recognising the rights of Nature

As Nature around the world gains increasing rights as a ‘person’ or ‘living entity’, we need to understand what this means on the ground (or in the water)

Yellow baya bird weaving its nest in a green forest.

Sciences & Technology

Birds are the ultimate architects, designing their nests for every climate

Whether it’s a dome, cup or pendant, new research shows bird nest designs match specific climatic conditions, giving hope that some can adjust nesting behaviours for changing weather conditions

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Education

Bush kinder turns nature novices into eco-experts

Immersing young children in nature gives them awareness of their world and skills they will carry through life

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Education

Nurturing nature in schools for enhanced learning

New research shows that engagement with nature can help enhance attention and memory in school children which are critical for learning

Looking inside a pigeon’s ear using quantum technology thumbnail image

Sciences & Technology

Looking inside a pigeon’s ear using quantum technology

Quantum microscopy is able to image tiny biological magnetic structures inside a pigeon’s ear and may help to explain how animals use magnetic fields to navigate

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Sciences & Technology

Indigenous knowledge and the myth of ‘wilderness’

Aboriginal ideas of ‘wilderness’ are in contrast to romantic views of a ‘pristine’ environment. But it actively excludes Indigenous and local people from conservation

Variety is the spice of life... and key to saving wildlife thumbnail image

Sciences & Technology

Variety is the spice of life... and key to saving wildlife

Conservation genetics can boost a species’ ability to adapt and decrease its extinction risk by understanding how varied a species’ DNA is across its entire genome

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Environment

How our cities should respond to the biodiversity extinction crisis

Globally, thousands of governments have declared a climate emergency, but cities have a key role to play in conserving and restoring biodiversity

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Arts & Culture

Who is nature?

A new film taps into virtual reality and First Nations wisdom to help people re-conceive of the nature around them, not as a thing but as a “who” in a relationship that needs give and take

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Sciences & Technology

Willie wagtails: The werewolves of the bird world

The willie wagtail, an iconic Australian bird, is known for its fan tail and twinkling song. By recording birds across Victoria, a new study shows that willie wagtails also sing to the moon

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Acknowledgement of country

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of the unceded lands on which we work, learn and live. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future, and acknowledge the importance of Indigenous knowledge in the Academy.

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