In this issue

	ECOS Issue 166

Features

Rabbits' resurgence puts the bush under pressure Rabbits are back – in increasing numbers, posing a major threat to Australia's recovering landscapes. Learn more

GISERA – deepening our understanding of coal seam gas Recently, there has been a lot of debate on coal seam gas (CSG) developments in Australia. In this domain, constructive dialogue is being taken over by conflicting facts, opinions and perceptions. Learn more

Climate Change Bulletin: Weather-disaster record in US, IPCC report on extreme events, more evidence for human-induced climate change
While Australia is still recovering from a series of weather-related disasters in 2011, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has identified a new record for the US, with a dozen billion-dollar weather disasters in a single year.
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Tourist boats interrupt dolphins' daily life Most humans love to interact with wildlife, especially with charismatic animals such as dolphins. While contact with these creatures is often a unique and incredible experience for us, it is important to realise that ‘watching' activity can have an adverse effect on the dolphins themselves. Learn more

Post-mining rehabilitation doesn’t restore habitat equivalent to that removed by mining A research case study from the monsoonal tropics of northern Australia indicates that assumptions about post-mining rehabilitation success need to be reviewed. Learn more

The world’s green buildings progress – an interview with Tony Arnel
Tony Arnel is retiring Chairman of the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), and remains Chair of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). During his term, the WorldGBC has tripled in size and dramatically increased its influence around the world. James Porteous sought his unique perspective on the global green building industry, how it has moved from being ‘boutique' to mainstream in just three years, and what it means for Australia.
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Into the forest As the International Year of Forests (IYF) draws to a close, ECOS reviews CSIRO's recent contributions to global forest research – beginning with the role of trees in locking up carbon. Learn more

The Burke and Wills expedition – a valuable scientific legacy revealed
Researchers looking into the remaining dispersed – and largely overlooked – records of Burke and Wills' expedition have discovered fascinating and meticulously collected scientific data. The records provide a valuable baseline perspective on Australia's environment 150 years ago, and shed new light on the remarkable achievements of the explorers under extreme conditions.
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