Little rain on the radar for northern Australia
After a scorchingly hot summer, the northern parts of Australia are set to break an 80-year record of low rainfall. The Top End is currently experiencing a second extremely dry monsoon season and the Bureau of Meteorology is expecting less than 1200 millimetres to fall in the region compared to 1600 mL in a normal wet season. The low rainfall is due to a positive Indian Ocean dipole which is sending weaker monsoon rains to the north. However, the southern states could expect a 60 percent increase in rain, welcome relief for drought-stricken regions in NSW but unfortunately not the case for the whole country.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-24/dry-in-the-top-end-of-australia-and-rain-expected-in-the-south/12172258
Insects in better numbers than previously thought
Previous talk of an ‘insect apocalypse’ have been called into question by a new report published in Science which observed insects declining slower than previously thought. While experts had suggested declines in insect populations of about 25 percent per decade, new evidence suggests it is more like 9 percent. The research also showed that some freshwater populations are increasing and those in Western European and Asian are doing well overall. Scientists warn that 9 percent decline is still very serious and could trigger food shortages without the pollination of insects.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2020-04-24/insect-apocalypse-new-research-less-severe/12172318
New Antarctic species named after Greta Thunberg
A new species of sprintail (similar to an insect) living in Antarctica has been named the Frisea Gretae in honour of the young climate activist. Penelope Greenslade who discovered the creature wanted to pay tribute to Greta who is raising awareness around the globe about climate change which has a huge impact on the Antarctic ecosystems. Springtails are 1-2 millimeters in size and help to decompose leaves, fertilising the soil. They are found all around the planet and often have involved in very different ways depending on their location.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-24/scientist-names-tiny-antarctic-creature-after-greta-thunberg/12176788
Species needing urgent attention following bushfires
Analysis by the federal government has revealed a list of 471 plant and 191 invertebrate species in need of urgent attention after the devastating bushfire season in Australia. Many species were already considered endangered before the destructive summer and conservationists now worry that Australia’s poor record of extinction will continue. The government has promised to step in however the lack of historic monitoring of endangered species is worrying for scientists who fear that many animals will not get the protection they need.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/26/bushfires-leave-470-plants-and-200-animals-in-dire-straits-government-analysis
Kangaroo Island dunnart spotted on camera, raising hopes for its survival
The kangaroo island dunnart, previously in numbers of around 500 is down to an estimated less than 50 individuals after bushfires destroyed most of the island’s habitat. However a small portion of land on the western side of the island escaped the blaze and has become the focus of a huge conservation effort. The dunnart has been spotted in three locations among many other native species, bringing new hope for the survival of these animals. Unfortunately, feral cats and other invasive species have also moved into the area, requiring targeted trapping from experts and scientists.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/21/hopes-of-saving-kangaroo-island-dunnart-raised-after-endangered-marsupial-captured-on-camera