<
https://theconversation.com/our-native-animals-are-easy-prey-after-a-fire-could-artificial-refuges-save-them-223357>
"Australia is home to some of the most spectacular and enigmatic wildlife on
Earth. Much of it, however, is being eaten by two incredibly damaging invasive
predators: the feral cat and the red fox.
Each year in Australia, cats and foxes kill an estimated 697 million reptiles,
510 million birds, and 1.4 billion mammals, totalling a staggering 2.6 billion
animals. Since the predators were introduced more than 150 years ago, they have
contributed to the extinction of more than 25 species – and are pushing many
more to the brink.
Research suggests cats and foxes can be more active in areas recently burnt by
fire. This is a real concern, especially as climate change increases the
frequency and severity of fire in south-eastern Australia.
We urgently need new ways to protect wildlife after fires. Our study trialled
one such tool: building artificial refuges across burnt landscapes. The results
are promising, but researchers need to find out more."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
