Queensland scientists have identified a toxin in bull ant venom that seems to have cleverly evolved specifically to target short-beaked echidnas, the main predator of ants in the Aussie bush.
One of the world’s deadliest spiders could hold the key to saving the lives of people who’ve had heart attacks, according to research by Australian scientists.
From deadly snakes and spiders to the box jellyfish and blue-ringed octopus, Australia’s legendary range of venomous creatures is being celebrated as a potentially rich source of new drugs and disease treatments.
Building an Ark to protect Australia´s Wildlife: Tim Faulkner
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Tim Faulkner is well known for his passion for Australian wildlife and his conservation work with the Australian Reptile Park. He’s also a highly energetic TV personality who’s trying to save the Tasmanian devil from extinction with the “Devil Ark” protection program. Tassie devils are getting wiped out by an aggressive and infectious cancer, and trying to protect a few of them in an enclosed territory might be the only hope for their survival. Tim also talks about his fascinating life, the start of the Ark program and its huge success, which has led to its extension – using the “Ark” to protect other endangered native species. He also reveals the details of the difficult and labour-intense process of running an anti-venom program – for most of Australia´s venomous spiders and snakes – to save human lives. Tim reckons since the late 1950s the program saved roughly about 20,000 people.
For more info visit https://reptilepark.com.au
Or follow Tim on Instagram @timswildlife
This Episode of Talking Australia is hosted by Chrissie Goldrick (Editor-in-chief at Australian Geographic) and produced by Ben Kanthak (www.beachshackpodcasts.com).
You can also follow us on Instagram @australiangeographic.
