Animals

New research is targeting the pest species that cause environmental degradation in Australia, including weeds, mammals and invertebrates.

In partnership with the community and industry, we undertake world-class research into the evolution and ecology of invasive species and the molecular biology and physiology of insects.

Australia's annual festival of science and technology, National Science Week, begins this weekend.

Residents and visitors to Canberra are in for a rare treat this National Science Week (16-24 August) when CSIRO Discovery reveals behind-the-scenes glimpses of Australia’s National Collections of soils, fauna, flora and insects.

CSIRO invites you to a range of free public seminars being held around Canberra.

CSIRO's Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems theme brings together multi-disciplinary teams to develop new technologies and approaches to promote ecosystem function and prediction to inform biodiversity management, planning and incentives.

Supporting the scientifically-based management of Australia’s northern Commonwealth and internationally-shared fisheries.

Sustainable mananagement and habitation of 'Outback' and 'Top End' Australia is an important goal which CSIRO researchers working in arid rangelands and tropical savanna environments are addressing.

The tropics are home to most of the world's rainforests and coral reefs, plus around half of the world’s population, but tropical nations produce only 20% of Gross World Product. This makes sustainable management of tropical landscapes a pressing research challenge.

Australia’s dwindling population of native rats and mice are little seen and even less understood. In this vodcast, CSIRO’s Dr Fred Ford introduces us to some very eccentric creatures, and explains the crucial role they play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. (4:16)

Next time you turn off an outdoor light, look more closely at the moths around it. You’ll often see pretty colours and unusual markings, but what you won’t see is the essential role they played in preventing bushfires, even before they hatched. This vodcast explains the secret life of Australia’s moths. (3:06)

Dr Max Day has had a long and distinguished career in science and continues his contribution as an Honorary Fellow at CSIRO Entomology.

Dr David Smith leads research that supports the balanced use of marine resources, focusing on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

The Termite Action Victoria report argues that all presently undeclared Victorian municipalities should be immediately declared as regions subject to termite infestation, in order to protect properties, residents and structure owners in these regions. (21 pages)

This fact sheet details the use of rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD) as a biological control for rabbits in Australia. (2 pages)

This fact sheet describes the many ways in which termites contribute to ecosystem health in northern Australia. Termite activity affects water infiltration, nutrient cycling, biodiversity and landscape repair.

Find fast facts and quick links to the world of insects at CSIRO, as well as other useful external resources.