Science Extra: March of the cane toads
The Science Show
Deep Dive
What is the ambitious project aimed at stopping cane toads from infiltrating the Pilbara?
The project involves creating a 'waterless barrier' by upgrading water tanks and sealing leaks in cattle stations along a 150-kilometer stretch between Broome and Port Hedland. This barrier aims to prevent cane toads from accessing water, which they need to breed and move further south.
Why are cane toads such a significant threat in Australia?
Cane toads reproduce rapidly, with each female capable of producing thousands of toadlets. They have spread over 2,000 kilometers west since their introduction in Queensland in the 1930s, threatening native biodiversity, particularly in the Pilbara, which is one of Australia's 15 national biodiversity hotspots.
What challenges do echidnas pose to traditional classifications of animal activity patterns?
Echidnas do not fit neatly into diurnal or nocturnal categories. While they are often seen during the day, GPS tracking reveals that 80-90% of their activity occurs at night. This flexibility challenges the assumption that their daytime sightings represent their primary activity period.
What was the significance of the 2009 heatwave in Australia?
The 2009 heatwave was Australia's deadliest natural disaster, contributing to over 400 deaths in Victoria and South Australia. It exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure, healthcare, and emergency response systems, leading to the development of national heatwave warning services and heat action plans.
How did the 2009 heatwave impact Australia's approach to extreme heat?
The heatwave prompted the creation of a national heatwave warning system, heat action plans, and increased awareness of heat-related health risks. It also led to the appointment of a chief heat officer in Melbourne and improved preparedness for future extreme heat events.
What is the role of circadian rhythms in animal activity patterns?
Circadian rhythms regulate the timing of key biological processes, such as sleep and digestion, based on light exposure. Animals, including humans, rely on these internal clocks to synchronize their activity with environmental conditions, though some species, like echidnas, exhibit flexibility in their activity patterns.
What was the social media sensation involving a pygmy hippo in 2024?
A pygmy hippo named Mu Deng became an internet sensation after predicting the winner of the US presidential election. Despite being 'cancelled' by the internet for predicting Trump, Mu Deng's prediction turned out to be correct, adding to his fame.
What challenges did the 2009 heatwave pose to infrastructure in Australia?
The heatwave caused widespread power outages due to increased demand for air conditioning and failures in electrical infrastructure. Rail lines buckled, and emergency services were overwhelmed, highlighting the need for better resilience to extreme heat.