Media stories

If you're a journalist looking for story ideas, a range of story angles can be found below with accompanying images. There's also an image CD of World Heritage plants, animals, maps and logos. If you'd like a CD contact us by email or phone 07 4052 0531.

Cassowary DNA Research

CSIRO senior research scientist Dr David Westcott is leading a collaborative DNA study, to which The Wet Tropics Management Authority have contributed $50,000. This research will provide a reliable method for monitoring population trends, creating a model of how cassowaries use habitat, and how their populations are structured, which will inform future conservation strategies.

For further information CSIRO/WTMA

Lemuroid Ringtail Possums under threat from climate change

This species has already been identified as particularly sensitive to rising temperatures and faces extinction if we cannot reverse these trends. The Lemuroid Ringtail Possum is found in two distinct populations, in 2008 scientists confirmed that there had been no records of the northern population since late 2005. Associate Professor Steve Williams, Director of the Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change at James Cook University conducted intensive searches for the northern population. Initial surveys reported no sightings however a refugial area has been discovered with at least a few individuals. Their dramatic decline in range is possibly due to climate change and they are now extremely vulnerable. Dr Williams and his team are continuing the research and will intensively monitor the area for possums.

For further information go to JCU or Media Release

 
Themed State of the Wet Tropics Report – Climate Change: Impacts and Responses

The Authority has completed its first themed State of the Wet Tropics Report for 2007-2008. The report, Climate Change: Impacts and Responses, summarises contemporary scientific data on the response of Wet Tropics forests to climate change, identifies current management actions and identifies opportunities for further action.

Climate change stands out as the single greatest threat to the Wet Tropics environment over the next 20 years. Action is necessary to ensure the forest is as healthy and resilient as possible in the face of this major threat to its condition and values.