... Listing decisions are a form of risk assessment supported largely by expert judgement. Expert judgements of rare events in novel circumstances are error prone. Experts are susceptible to social influences and their views are shaped by context, framing, and personal values. Expert judgment...

... by introduced mammalian predators, particularly the Black Rat Rattus rattus , is the most significant threat that NSW seabirds face while on land. Small species—those weighing less than 600 g—are particularly at risk. At sea, the most potentially damaging threats are currently longline fishing and plastic...

... and this could negatively impact many species. Further research is required to determine just which species are at significant risk from predicted climate changes and generate discussion on appropriate adaptive strategies. ...

... Human disturbance is caused by the mere presence of humans in the environment. As both predation risk and human disturbance redirect time and energy from other fitness-enhancing activities such as reproduction and feeding, perceived predation risk appears to be useful in the understanding...

... Increasing exploitation of natural systems by humans is the driving force behind global devastation of biodiversity. Extinction risk is however not apportioned evenly across all taxa and specialist species are inherently more vulnerable compared to generalists. World-wide, 16 species...

... infections are transmitted directly to humans, direct contact with an ABL-infected flying-foxes presents a serious human health risk from a saliva-contaminated bite, scratch or mucous membrane. Fruit is not regarded as a mode of transmission, but for aesthetic and general hygiene reasons, eating fruit...

... for the practice and accessibility of science. These changes have received little comment or analysis, but potentially have both positive and negative consequences. The application of new managerial approaches with short term vision to scientific research risks long term damage and may limit the ability...

... reptiles, identifies those taxa at greatest risk, and provides conservation profiles — species recovery outlines — for them. This article describes the methods used to develop the Plan, including the compilation and ranking of the list of threatened taxa. The Plan identifies the geographic regions most...

... There is a general, although unfounded, belief that marine organisms are widespread with a low risk of extinction. In reality, many are restricted to small areas with greatly restricted ranges. Narrow range endemics are the result of a combination of intrinsic (biological) and extrinsic...

... Animal-vehicle collisions occur daily on roads around the world, putting drivers and passengers at risk of trauma and death. There is limited routine information about the incidence of such collisions and their resultant trauma and healthcare burden in Australia. Without this information...

... The commercial whale watching industry has experienced a rapid expansion in Australia in recent years, often outpacing regulatory development. While whale watching has the potential to provide a number of benefits to the community, industry and animals, these benefits come at the risk of over...

... Scientists presenting inconvenient facts or ideas that run counter to commercial interests may place themselves at risk of legal action. Frivolous or even vexatious lawsuits are a recognized tool for silencing criticism of corporate or individual commercial interests, particularly where...

... that allows for independent review of decisions, the need to carefully screen potential committee members, and the need for AECs to both apply the code appropriately and then to stand by their decisions and the research in the case of emotive attack. We suggest that AECs and institutions should be less risk...