Animals
Demand for steak fuelling deforestation and extinction in NSW
The NSW biodiversity outlook suggests the state is set lose nearly a quarter of all known plant and animal species in the next 100 years, and habitat loss from land clearing especially in the agricultural industry is the biggest cause.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Latest
The devastating animal pandemic of ‘enormous concern’ to human health
The outbreak has killed millions of birds and half a billion poultry. Increasing cases in mammals – from cattle to polar bears – has WHO worried.
- by Angus Dalton
Exclusive
Brumby cull
Cassandra adopted a brumby. What happens when you rehome a feral horse?
Brumby advocates remain opposed to culling and argue rehoming should be the future of feral horse management. Environmentalists say it’s “tinkering at the edges”.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Wild first aid: Orangutan applies medicinal plant to treat facial wound
Animals have been known to eat certain plants to alleviate stomach discomfort, but scientists had never seen one apply a makeshift bandage to heal a wound before.
- by Christina Larson
World of photos, May 3, 2024
The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors.
‘Monsters in wall’ in girl’s bedroom turn out to be 65,000 hidden bees
At one point, the three-year-old’s parents sent her to bed with a bottle of water they said was “monster spray”, the BBC reported.
- by Benedict Smith
In an undiscovered cave, Josh came face-to-face with a human-sized skull
One of Australia’s most complete fossils to date has emerged from a labyrinth in regional Victoria.
- by Angus Dalton
Exclusive
Courts
How Lucy the lab is helping victims of crime find justice
An abuse survivor says she could not have survived her gruelling fight for justice without the presence of a court support dog – and demand for therapy canines is growing.
- by Erin Pearson
Updated
Marine life
Mass casualties: 160 whales in beach stranding in WA’s south-west
More than 100 pilot whales have become stranded on a beach near Dunsborough on Thursday morning.
- by Sarah Brookes and Heather McNeill
Updated
UK
Military horses, one blood-stained, run loose through central London
A group of horses bolted and threw their riders while on their daily morning exercise in central London, leaving several people injured.
- by Rob Harris
Fake snakes, bricks, sneakers: How Sydneysiders are fighting the cockatoo bin war
A world-renowned cockatoo foraging behaviour has spread to the northern beaches. And it’s getting messy.
- by Angus Dalton