In December 2025, The Centre for Conservation Science delivered our second New Colombo Plan-supported study tour to Nepal, following the success of our inaugural 2024 program. This year, Professor Matt Hayward, Dr Rose Upton and ten University of Newcastle students— ranging from environmental science, marine studies, biology to engineering—took part in a three-week immersive experience exploring conservation, culture, and community. We were hosted by Nepal’s National Trust fo

I was lucky enough to attend the 2026 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Conservation Forum that had a focus on Conservation through Connection. This was the second research forum run by NPWS and was aimed to provide networking opportunities and a platform for staff across DCCEEW to “share knowledge and learnings, and to showcase progress in delivering priority conservation initiatives across our national parks and reserve system”. Hence, the focus was NPWS and DC

Check out the new Citizen Science Show's podcast featuring Dr Kaya Klop-Toker, Dr Rose Upton and Dr Alex Callen! The leaders of the Integrated Conservation Unit (ICU) discuss their multi-disciplinary approach to halt amphibian decline - including ecological restoration, reproductive science and citizen engagement in what they describe as a "One Plan" strategy for species recovery. Listen for free wherever you get your podcasts:

New publication for the Centre for Conservation Science! “Avoid Sacrificing Nature to Truly Achieve Net Zero” was published in Conservation Letters on 23 April 2026. In it, we discuss recent changes in environmental laws and how the proposal to fast-track renewable energy projects threatens biodiversity. The current climate and biodiversity crises are interconnected, and to efficiently reach net zero targets, we need to work toward nature-positive goals at the same time. In

A new PhD position studying the impact of PFAS contamination on shorebird health and behaviour is now available within the Centre for Conservation Science. Supervisors: A/Prof Geoff MacFarlane and A/Prof Andrea Griffin . More details available here. Photo credit: Louise Williams

As we witness populations of the endangered green and golden bell frog decline across the state, maybe it's time to think about where their 'goldilocks zone' will be in the future? Dr Alex Callen and PhD student Kate Tunstill holding the green and golden bell frog at the captive breeding facility, University of Newcastle. Yesterday, Alex Callen spoke to Jenny Marchant at 1233 ABC Radio about our eco-health check of the rarely monitored Muddy Lake population of this strikin

Author: Andrew Tilley – Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours) The ecosystems present on Norfolk Island evolved under unique conditions. The island is geographically isolated, and while it is an Australian territory, it is located closest to New Caledonia (767 km to the north) and is part of the mostly submerged Zealandia continental mass. This has enabled the speciation of endemic flora and fauna. Living under the shadow of the towering Norfolk Pine, icon

Matt Hayward My favourite conservation science-related song is a version of a Cold Play song that emphasises we should base our conservation decisions on evidence rather than what supports our preconceived ideas or feelings. This was brought to my attention having faced vitriol from eminent scientists during the debate about the quality of evidence associated with claims that dingoes control foxes and cats 1,2 . Viva La Evidence - James McCormack Jacob Jones My favourite cons

Author: Sailendra Raj Giri Dashain: A Tapestry of Memories and Meaning Even 12,000 kilometres away from home, the sounds of my childhood...

Author: Yamil Di Blanco I recently had the unique opportunity to spend a full month living and working at the Mount Zero-Taravale...

By Michael Mahony Figure 9. Images in life of Amnihyla This document presents a comprehensive phylogenetic revision of the Pelodryadidae...

Author: Kaya Klop-Toker Recent rains and cold winter temperatures were the likely catalyst for successful breeding in the Centre for...

Matt was recently hosted my Mark Kyle on his TheFurRealPodcast where he talked about quokkas as the happiest animal in the world and a...

Litoria littlejohni (Littlejohn's tree frog - LLJ) is listed as Endangered with extinction on the IUCN Red List. The Centre for...

Updates from Michael Mahony Photo of newly described species by Stephen Mahony The common mantra for persistence in the face of climate...

Our wonderful end of year Christmas Party - Kaya and Matt presenting some awards. As the year comes to a close, members of the...

Author: James Taylor So you have begun undergrad … life is different from school, you are in a new environment, new people and with that...

Author: Anne Ibbotson Image: Anne during a survey night in the Watagan Mountains I have been incredibly fortunate to be a part of an...

Author: Alex Callen I love my research, but I probably don’t eat and breathe it as much as younger researchers do. As a conservation...

Author: Rose Upton Littlejohn's tree frog being swabbed for chytrid fungus. This week we are very excited to see our newest publication...