Echidna Conservation Science Initiative - Echidna CSI

How the Past Helps Predict the Climate Future of Bowhead Whales

Environment Institute Deputy Director Damien Fordham and member Nicholas Freymueller, are part of an international team with the University of Adelaide and the University of Copenhagen. They examined and reconstructed 11,700 years of bowhead whale ecological history, showing how climate change could erode up to 75% of foraging habitat by the end of the century.

Salt on the rise: What lagoon microbes reveal about the future of coastal ecosystems

When coastal lagoons degrade, it's not the fish that react first, it’s the microbes. Environment Institute member Dr Christopher Keneally has lead new research alongside Professor Justin Brookes, and with University of Adelaide academics Dr Virginie Gaget, Dr Stephen Kidd, Associate Professor Luke Mosley and Dr Daniel Chilton and Associate Professor David Welsh, have contributed to a global review exploring how microbial communities in coastal lagoons respond to rising salinity and nutrient stress. These microbes act as early warning systems, helping us detect and ideally prevent ecosystem collapse.

Professor Phil Cassey on the rising threat of reptile smuggling in Australia

Environment Institute Member and Wildlife Crime Research Hub Director Professor Phill Cassey has commented on the illegal smuggling of reptiles that is occurring in Australia.