Science Show

Past Programs

Endangered Species - 2008

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Attacking chytrid, the killer frog fungus

30/08/2008
Of 6,300 amphibians in the world, New Zealand's Archey's Frog Leiopelma archeyi is recognised as the most endangered. The main threat is chytrid fungus. Phil Bishop is working on fungicides and an antibiotic cure, chloramphenicol, where frogs' immune systems develop immunity.

Primates - threats and research

30/08/2008
Most primates are under extreme threat. Some from hunting, as in bonobos, while the Ebola virus threatens most primates. At the Adelaide Zoo, Carla Litchfield is planning a program where primate trainers and others stay for long periods in cages with their animals. There are some comforts, but other environmental factors are a challenge, like extreme ranges in temperature.

Banksias

09/08/2008
There are more species of Banksia in Australia than anywhere else. The fungal dieback disease Phytophthora cinnamomi threatens many species. This makes seed collection and conservation very important. The millennium seedbank at Kew Botanic Gardens in England aims to conserve 25% of the world's flora. Most states in Australia are assisting with the project.

Green turtles in northern Australia

09/08/2008
These turtles grow as large as one metre. They feed on sea grass and algae. The northern Great Barrier Reef green turtle population is the largest group of its kind, with a population of around 50,000 individuals. It's thought global warming is affecting turtles, as sea levels rise, and from larger storm surges inundating their nesting sites.

Minke whales - mutual interest

09/08/2008
Alastair Birtles reports on results of his study of whale-human interaction in the waters off Cairns and Port Douglas. The minke whales are quite curious and can swim around people for many hours. Northern Queensland is the only known area where this interaction takes place.

Iconic Banksia rescued

02/08/2008
Researchers in Western Australia have increased the genetic diversity of a critically endangered Banksia. Using material from extinct populations in research in Britain, scientists have brought back seedlings for planting in WA thereby increasing the genetic diversity of plants in the wild.

New coral alga discovered in Sydney Harbour

26/07/2008
Coral in Sydney Harbour has been found to contain a previously undiscovered alga. The coral encrusts rocks under the water. The alga lives in the coral and give it sugars. The family tree of algae based on sequencing DNA shows the alga is in a new position on the tree, and is related to the malaria parasite. The alga is seen as a missing link between another alga and a parasite. It was previously thought to be extinct.

Saving the Western Swamp Tortoise

07/06/2008
It has changed little in 20 million years. But now, due to urban expansion, the Western Swamp Tortoise in under threat. Lynne Malcolm reports from Perth where the Perth Zoo and the Department of Environment and Planning are collaborating in a breeding and monitoring program.

Balancing Nature 4 - New Zealand

16/02/2008

Invasive species can rapidly destroy the heart of a biodiversity hotspot and nowhere has this been seen more clearly than in New Zealand. The country's unique population of birds and reptiles has been decimated by introduced mammals such as the possum, rat, mouse and stoat. However, in a pioneering experiment, invasive pests have been eradicated from the country's islands, allowing the native flora and fauna to thrive. We find out how, on the mainland, a radical approach to re-establishing this ancient biodiversity hotspot's unique species is being applied. Biodiversity hotspots in the Asia-Pacific website - Balancing Nature: New Zealand

Balancing Nature 3 - The Philippines

09/02/2008

Coral reefs are often described as the rainforests of the oceans. The Philippines was recently declared the 'centre of marine shore fish biodiversity', yet its reef system is on a knife edge—due mainly to increasing number of fishermen exploiting the reefs, many using destructive and illegal fishing methods. Lynne Malcolm visits key marine areas and speaks to scientists, local government members and fishermen, who together are establishing community managed fisheries. Could this new cooperation restore the balance between sustainable biodiversity and the livelihood of fishing communities? Biodiversity hotspots in the Asia-Pacific website - Balancing Nature: Philippines

Balancing Nature 2 - Vietnam

02/02/2008

Some of the richest and least explored forests on the planet are to be found in the mountainous heart of central Vietnam. Aside from recent discoveries of new orchids, butterflies, and snakes, several new mammal species have been discovered, such as the antelope-like saola, the large antlered muntjac and several doucs, or 5-coloured monkeys. Yet despite commitment for preservation by local authorities, this population of threatened species is at risk from illegal logging, hunting and conflicting land use, as the country pushes to become a developed economy by 2020. Lynne Malcolm visits the remote mountainous jungles of the Annamites to hear how local forest communities are working with the Forest Protection Department and NGOs to sustainably manage forest resources. Biodiversity hotspots in the Asia-Pacific website - Balancing Nature: Vietnam

Balancing Nature 1 - Australia

26/01/2008

In the first of a four-part series Lynne Malcolm visits the biodiversity hotspot of southwest Western Australia. The development of an intense mosaic of soils and many changes in climate have led to development of an ancient landscape with an intensely rich flora, and a high number of species found nowhere else on earth. It's home to over 5,000 plant species and many rare vertebrates such as the tiny honey possum and the Carnaby's black cockatoo. But the area is under intense threat because of clearing for agriculture in the 1950s and 60s. Can an ambitious project to reconnect the bush secure the future of this botanical hotspot? Visit the Balancing Nature feature site for audio and transcripts of all programs in the series.

Saving Nemo

12/01/2008
The speakers in today's forum describe how the changing climate is affecting coral. We'll hear about the effect of green zones where fish are protected. There's the latest research on sharks and concerns for their future. And do fish larvae stay close to home or do fish protected in one region actually influence the populations of the same species in other neighbouring regions.

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