Freshwater and marine sharks are under threat. Research on grasslands shows that large plant populations are important for the maintenance of outbreeding and increased genetic diversity. Entire ecosystems of open woodlands are conserved in few places. Describes studies of two species of gecko that live in remnants of native vegetation. This work may help explain why other species can only survive in large woodland reserves, and not in small remnant patches.
Australian researchers say misguided amateurs are driving frogs to extinction.
17 July 1999, page 15 Ask the ancestors The director of the Australian Museum suggests the fossil record could help in assessing a species' conservation status. Outlines plans to save Australia's threatened marsupials by poisoning cats. Attributes the deaths of frogs and toads throughout the world to a fungus that is new to science. Attempts to reduce numbers of feral animals may be counter productive if Aboriginal hunters switch to Australian native species. Highlights a rift between ecologists and geneticists on how to help save endangered species, in this case the cheetah.