Echidna Conservation Science Initiative - Echidna CSI
Echidna CSI is an Australia-wide initiative that is helping to conserve our wild echidnas.
We are a team of world-leading echidna researchers connecting with the community to learn more about these unique creatures.
Thousands of Australians have sent us photos of echidnas through our Echidna CSI app. They have even collected echidna poo for University of Adelaide researchers to use for molecular analysis.
Echidna CSI has collected unprecedented data and material to help ensure the long-term survival of this iconic Australian animal.
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See an echidna? Take a photo or video with your smart phone and send us the details!
Echidna CSI news
The Urgent Need to Rethink Climate Economics
A new Australian study has found that traditional economic models significantly underestimate the global economic impact of climate change, particularly when considering extreme weather events and interconnected supply chains. Mark Lawrence, Environment Institute member and an expert in climate risk from the University of Adelaide, emphasises that the economic consequences could be even worse than projected.
How Freshwater Transformed the Coorong's Microbial World
Environment Institute members Chris Keneally and Justin Brookes and their team have conducted groundbreaking research on how floods impact microbial communities in the Coorong Lagoon. Their study revealed that the 2022 flood not only reduced methane-producing microbes but also promoted beneficial bacterial growth, highlighting the vital role of freshwater flows in restoring ecological balance.
Are we witnessing a major setback for Australia’s nature protection laws?
A new bill introduced to Parliament seeks to limit the federal government’s ability to reconsider past environmental approvals, even when new evidence shows harm. The move is tied to ongoing salmon farming in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour, putting the endangered Maugean skate at further risk. Dr Phillipa C. McCormack, Environment Institute Future Making Fellow, explores the consequences in her piece for The Conversation, calling for urgent reform of Australia’s outdated environmental laws.
Image credits: Banner image - Cecilia Webster; 'Download the app' image - Matthew Wilkinson.