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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

44% of ecologists report experiencing systemic territoriality in academia. Given the state and culture of academia and higher education, I wonder if the other 56% are in denial! Territorially and its impacts literally come with the territory. www.the-scientist.com/the-gollum-e...

the-scientist.com

The Gollum Effect: 44 Percent of Scientists Report Territorial Research Experiences

Survey data showed that hoarding research topics and resources, termed the Gollum effect, has a lasting impact on trainees and perpetuates a toxic research culture.

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Megan Evans @megcevans.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

90 academics from Group of Eight universities voice their opposition to the #GO8 signing onto a statement by the Business Council of Australia www.bca.com.au/our-insights... that endorses the Australian Government's plans to weaken national environmental laws #EPBCAct #esa2025 #environment #nature

Independent statement on the Group of Eight’s position on EPBC Act reforms The federal Parliament is currently considering amendments to the flagship federal environmental legislation, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (‘EPBC Act’). This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen environmental protections to reverse Australia’s current trajectory of extinctions and biodiversity loss. We are academics at the institutions in the Group of Eight (Go8), with expertise in biodiversity conservation science, climate science, policy, economics and law. We support amendments to the EPBC Act to strengthen protections for biodiversity and remove ministerial discretion and legal loopholes, in order to create a level playing field for businesses, and make environmental protection and recovery central to all decision-making processes under the Act. We note that the Go8 has signed a statement by the Business Council of Australia endorsing amendments that will weaken the Act’s protection for the environment. This statement does not reflect the world leading conservation research being carried out at our institutions. It also does not reflect the extensive evidence-based advice provided by experts based at Go8 institutions during the review and consultation processes over the past five years. We disagree with this statement, and the Go8’s endorsement of it.

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

Sad but hardly surprising - most koalas relocated died rather than thrived in their new home. Translocation failures seem to be the norm rather than the exception in conservation biology. As is sharing the outcomes of failed relocations/reintroductions. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

More than half of koalas relocated to NSW forest died in failed government attempt at reintroduction

Exclusive: Translocation and deaths of seven out of 13 koalas in April, with some showing signs of septicaemia, not made public by state government

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 21/06/2025

I can't attend #ESA2025 in Baltimore this year unfortunately, but making baskets of kittens available for weary attendees would be a major drawcard. Innovative stuff from @ecologicalsociety.bsky.social! Something for @ecolsocaus.bsky.social to aspire to? 😀😺

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Mike DiGirolamo @mikedigirolamo.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

"I think that the word is being misused. Extinction's forever. It's irreversible...I think it's a really dangerous precedent to claim we can fix some of these irreversible problems," @dieterhochuli.bsky.social says on the podcast. The U. of Sydney ecologist unpacks what's wrong with 'de-extinction'

news.mongabay.com

‘De-extinction’ isn’t just misleading — it’s dangerous, ecologist says

A biotech company in the United States made headlines last month by revealing photos of genetically modified gray wolves, calling them “dire wolves,” a species that hasn’t existed for more than 10,000...

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The Conversation AUNZ @aunz.theconversation.com · 16/04/2025

Claims of ‘bringing back’ any species take away focus from proven solutions that can actually fix the extinction crisis.

theconversation.com

‘De-extinction’ of dire wolves promotes false hope: technology can’t undo extinction

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

In light of last night‘s Australian budget, it’s fitting these two pins sit side by side. Spending on a captive breeding program for an endangered species instead of addressing the processes threatening it is peak greenwashing. And ecologically illiterate.

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Well this seems quite ominous. I’ve returned from a field trip to the Top End to find the quadrangle building in my USyd flame tree/jacaranda snow dome listing quite precariously.

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Happy 216th birthday to Charles Darwin from the 2025 Usyd Tropical Wildlife Biology crew! Nice way to start the final day of our Top End field trip.

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

Joining in on the #SuperBowl festivities, we saw this marvellous boobook at Mary River last night on our tropical wildlife biology course.

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

One mug to rule them all. Terrific conference swag from the massive #ESAus2024 conference in Melbourne last week featuring some of Victoria’s threatened and iconic species. Thanks to the local organising committee for their efforts creating such a great week for Australia’s ecological community.

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

Intrigued and challenged by the issues being raised at the #ESAus2024 session on reimagining ecology education using AI. Thought I’d see how AI went summarising the online program. A couple of surprises to me, but I think it captures much of the bigger picture vibe.

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

which Conference animal are you ? Judging from the conversations I’ve had at #ESAUS2024 I’m pretty sure we have a massive community of spinifex hopping mice. Coffee consumption has been exceptional this week.

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Caitlyn Forster @bambiraptorf.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

Last day of #ESAus2024 talks! My #EcologicalFashion is a bit more subtle today, but it's a nice throw to a project with @dieterhochuli.bsky.social (and heaps of others) where we run nature workshops in Western Sydney with the goal of getting young people out in nature

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Kell @wallaboo.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

Four different species here - I had five but the Black Prince flew away. None of these #cicadas are restrained by the way, cicadas are just genuinely this chill. Green Grocer, Red Eye, Floury Baker and Razor Grinder. #bugsky #inverts #wildoz #auswildlife

Four cicadas on a hand. One is bright green, one is black with red eyes, and the other two are brownish.

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 21/11/2024

One of the more sombre rooms I’ve been to at a museum. The thylacine room at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 11/11/2024

Being carefully watched from outside my office while I reflect on these rather turbulent times. If these guys can’t brighten you, don’t no one can.

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 25/10/2023

Well this is a blue sky. With trees with red and purple flowers in front of it. Nice day on the Sydney Uni campus.

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juli g pausas @jgpausas.bsky.social · 24/10/2023

In defense of NATURAL HISTORY, a discipline in danger "We are all interested in understanding the natural world, but we often fall into the habit of abstracting our research away from its natural contexts & complexities" @KNanglu 🧪🌍 #evolution biodiversity onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...

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Dieter Hochuli @dieterhochuli.bsky.social · 27/07/2023

Nice way to start the day! Mantid egg mass on a little bit of kerbside guerilla gardening in my street.

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