NSWTR 2024 HR - Flipbook - Page 43
YEAR 7-8 SECTION
TECH & SOCIETY+SPECIES SURVIVAL INTRODUCTION
THE RED FOX HAS PLAYED A
BIG PART IN THE DECLINE OF
GROUND-NESTING BIRDS, SMALL
TO MEDIUM- SIZED MAMMALS
(LIKE THE BILBY), AND REPTILES
(SUCH AS THE GREEN TURTLE).
TECH TO
THE RESCUE
Ye
ar 7-8
SHUTTERSTOCK
Drones, sensors, AI and people power are all
pitching in to preserve species diversity.
T
echnology, and the people who create it, play an
important role in addressing species survival.
This is particularly true when it comes to the threat
of feral animals – one of the biggest contributors
to species extinction. Predators such as red foxes and
cats have a hugely destructive impact on native wildlife,
with the Invasive Species Council stating that these
animals have probably contributed to the extinction of
all but two of the 21 completely extinct marsupials and
rodents in Australia. Cane toads, introduced by humans
to control pest beetles, have caused a devastating decline
in native species by poisoning goannas and quolls. Feral
rabbits, horses and deer are also causing ecological and
agricultural problems across Australia.
While people caused many of these issues, we’re also
adept at helping 昀椀x them. Researchers and managers
use sensor technology (attached to collars) to track feral
animals, and farmers use pig traps equipped with cameras
and motion sensors to remotely capture feral pigs.
Science also plays a big part, through biological control
methods. For example, back in 1996, rabbit calicivirus
disease was introduced in Australia to reduce rabbit
numbers. This kept numbers low for a decade before the
rabbits developed immunity. Another strain of the virus
was introduced in 2015. Since rabbits compete with so
many native mammals for food, it’s essential to try to
keep the population low.
SPECIES SURVIVAL – MORE THAN JUST SUSTAINABILITY
UP TO 23.5 MILLION FERAL PIGS ARE SPREAD ACROSS
ABOUT HALF OF AUSTRALIA. QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT
FERAL CATS HAVE ALREADY DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTED
TO EXTINCTIONS OF THE RUSTY NUMBAT, THE DESERT
BANDICOOT, THE BROAD-FACED POTOROO AND THE
CRESCENT NAIL-TAIL WALLABY. SHUTTERSTOCK
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