Have you ever wondered why the number of extant mammal species is so imprecise? Consensus seems to have the number at around 4500, others say 4000 is about right while some would have the true total at somewhat more than 4500. Why is it that after nearly 300 years of a binomial system that strives […]
Continue ReadingThe defining features of a successful predator are strength, speed and patience. Of course there are a whole suite of other features that assist in the strategies that successful predators use including camouflage, decoys and attractants, specialised anatomical features for capture and holding, hearing, smell, touch and usually superb eyesight. Some have even developed the […]
Continue ReadingAnimal cruelty, especially the abuse of pit bulls in dog-fighting activities, has achieved a higher profile after the 2007 arrest of the National Football League star Michael Vick for running an illegal interstate dog-fighting business in Virginia. However, the pit bull is only the most publicized victim of a phenomenon that is now being addressed […]
Continue ReadingThe recent climate change debate has descended into a farce and not only just in Australia. There has however been considerable comment recently about carbon bio-sequestration and soil carbon in particular. The Wentworth group have a new publication “Optimising Soil Carbon in the Australian landscape” which is well worth reading, in this monograph it is […]
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