Cassowary deaths linked to being fed by humans

Wildlife experts in Far North Queensland say people feeding wild cassowaries has contributed to at least five deaths of the bird on local roads. 

In 2014, conservationists estimated there were fewer than 1,000 of the birds remaining in the wild. 

Veterinarian and cassowary expert Graham Lauridsen said the endangered birds are becoming less fearful of humans and vehicles because they are being fed. 

"It is 100 per cent the reason those birds have died," Dr Lauridsen said.

Water pump screens in the Murray-Darling basin to stop native fish deaths

Protecting populations of native fish has been a key part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan since it was implemented in 2012.

However, fish, fingerlings, eggs, larvae and other water life are being sucked into the thousands of irrigation pumps throughout the Murray-Darling river systems.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has found a standard 30-centimetre pipe sucked up about 240 fish a day. 

With 4,546 irrigation pumps operating in New South Wales alone, up to 97 million fish are being lost each year.

Queensland Eastern Brown influx

Snake catchers in Gympie and the Sunshine Coast predict increased eastern brown snake activity following wet weather conditions. 

Gympie Snake Catchers owner Julie Smith said brown snake hatchlings have increased by fifteen to twenty per cent compared to previous years.