Science and nature
Kununurra: New gecko species
Photo by P Doughty WA Museum
A species of gecko found near Kununurra is now considered to be a “new” species.
It is the Northern Beaked Gecko.
A scientist examining a specimen of the lizard last year noticed differences that were markedly different from other beaked geckos.
Science Network WA [read this story]
Study to save water lillies from extinction
Nymphaea violacea, a plant used as food by many Aboriginal tribes. Photo by Allgau, Wikimedia Commons
A Kings Park botanist is studying ways of preserving water lillies to insure them against climate change.
Emma Dalziel’s is researching all 18 species of Australian water lillies, including two vary rare ones found only in the Kimberley.
Science Network [read this story]
Small furry animal avoids cane toad poison
Scientists say a small furry animal knows how to avoid cane toads’ poison glands when attacking it.
The red-cheeked dunnart, a carnivorous marsupial, can bite the toads on the head, avoiding its poison sacs.
Marine survey turns up new species
Divers at Scott Reef - courtesy WA Museum
A comprehensive marine biodiversity survey of the Kimberley is continuing to reveal undescribed species.
WA Museum marine biologist Clay Bryce, who is leading the survey, said the research team had found new sponges, new species of soft coral, and a new genus and species of algae late last year.
Science Network WA [read this story]
Ashmore Reef: Corals bounce back
Clay Bryce, WA Museum
Scientists have found corals at Ashmore Reef recovered quickly from unusually high water temperatures in 1998 and 2003.
Marine biologist Daniela Ceccerelli put this down to lack of human interferance and fast-growing coral species.
Science Network WA [read this story]
Fitzroy Valley: Study of foetal alcohol kids nears completion
A medical team has been studying Fitzroy Valley children for signs of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
The study was requested by Aboriginal women’s groups at the same time as they asked for the well-publicised alcohol bans.
Reports are due mid-2012.
Science Network WA [read this story]
James Price Point: Ground water study
Picture by Rod Hartvigsen
Woodside has commissioned a study of groundwater aquifers around the proposed gas hub site.
The aerial magnetic survey is now complete.
Sausages used to turn goannas off cane toads
A cane toad
Scientists are continuing their attempt to train native animals to avoid eating deadly cane toads.
They are feeding small sausages containing cane toad meat to animals such as goannas, to make them nauseous and thereby learn to avoid cane toad’s smell and taste.
PerthNow [read this story]
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