SBS News In Depth

A senate inquiry has handed down its report on youth incarceration in Australia, including examining the issue of the over-incarceration of First Nations children.

Conservationists are calling for government funding to count the population of the platypus over the next decade.

Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owner Yessie Mosby describes what is at stake with the rising sea levels and its impact on the land he calls home.

Feral cats are one of the biggest threats to Australia's native wildlife, having contributed to the extinction of at least 20 mammal species. In this interview, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy explains how researchers are tackling the problem through habitat restoration, targeted control programs and cutting-edge genetic research. The discussion also explores why Australia's wildlife is especially vulnerable to cats, the role of pet cats in wildlife decline, and why experts remain hopeful that many threatened species can recover. Paulien Roessink from SBS Dutch is speaking to Joey Clarke from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

In this interview, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy explains how researchers are tackling the problem of feral cats and their impact on native wildlife. These are the main points of the interview:
Feral cats are a major driver of Australia's extinction crisis
Cats have spread across more than 99% of Australia and have played a significant role in the extinction of at least 20 native mammal species, contributing to Australia's record as the world's worst country for mammal extinctions.
Cats have a broader impact than foxes
While foxes are also a serious threat, cats occupy a much larger range across Australia, including areas where foxes are absent. Together, cats and foxes have devastated populations of small and medium-sized native mammals such as bandicoots, bettongs and hopping mice.
Researchers are testing multiple ways to control feral cats
The Australian Wildlife Conservancy is combining traditional methods such as fenced wildlife sanctuaries, baiting, trapping and shooting with habitat management strategies, including improved fire regimes and removing feral herbivores to make landscapes safer for native species.
Genetic research could offer a future breakthrough
In partnership with CSIRO, researchers are mapping feral cat genomes to better understand population movements and explore the long-term possibility of genetic biocontrol technologies that could reduce cat populations over generations.
Protecting wildlife and pets can go hand in hand
The interview highlights that free-roaming domestic cats also have a significant impact on wildlife. Keeping pet cats contained not only protects native animals but can also safeguard cats from threats such as bird flu and other environmental risks.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Julia Lee from Shaw and Partners about the days market action, including a rate rise from another global central bank, it's implications for Australia, and why more investors are turning to fixed income products.