This study assessed parameters of health in Australian fur seal pups at Seal Rocks (Victoria) in early (3–6 weeks) and mid-lactation (5–6 months). Results provide a baseline for health monitoring and highlight the increased vulnerability of younger pups during early lactation. This research informs understanding of pinniped health and management strategies. Photograph by Jessalyn Taylor.

Spider social behaviour is a fascinating area of study that reveals how these often-misunderstood creatures interact. Research on the Australian huntsman spider (Delena cancerides) shows that its colonies can be quite diverse, especially in summer, with multiple adults and juveniles cohabiting and sharing prey. These findings challenge previous assumptions and suggest a more intricate social structure that could reshape our understanding of spider ecology and behaviour. Photographs by Vanessa Penna-Gonçalves

We examined molecular and morphological information from Antaresia pythons in northern Cape York Peninsula, Australia. We confirm the presence of two additional species from Cape York (Antaresia childreni and A. papuensis), making this region Australia’s hotspot for python diversity. Photographs by Daniel Natusch.

Penicillate millipedes are tiny, soft-bodied arthropods under 5 mm long, lacking body calcification and covered in trichomes. Phryssonotus borealis is a newly discovered synxenid species from north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. It is distinguished taxonomically by having white tergal scale trichomes and by its unique genetic characteristics when compared to related species. Photograph by Cuong Huynh.

The characterisation of Australian marsupials’ faecal microbiome is largely uncharted, but has previously been identified as an important component of conservation programs. This project examined the interaction between diet and faecal microbiome of yellow-footed rock-wallabies in South Australia, found that there are similarities with other Australia marsupials and that diet likely affects faecal microbial composition. Continuing to characterise the faecal microbiome of Australian marsupials will provide a valuable tool for their conservation as climate change worsens. Photograph by Stacey Dix.

Wildlife hospitals play a vital role in caring for injured animals and revealing threats to local species. A study of 10 years of data from the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Brisbane found that orphaning, vehicle collisions, disease, and dog attacks were the main causes of admissions, with vehicle collisions having a major impact on koalas. These findings highlight the need for better conservation efforts to reduce these threats and protect wildlife in urban areas. Photograph by RSPCA Queensland Ltd.