Wildlife & Habitat: A new study compiling a decade of rescue reports finds native animals are increasingly using Australian homes as substitute habitat, with possums and microbats dominating cases. Marine Protection: A Gulf of Carpentaria dugong survey shows fewer “sea cows” than in 2007, with seagrass declines flagged and researchers urging more frequent monitoring led by Traditional Owners. Climate Watch: Scientists say this El Niño is unusually intense, with Pacific ocean warming accelerating fast and raising concern for major impacts on communities and economies. Extreme Weather & Safety: Victoria’s outer-Melbourne fire response delays are raising community safety risks, as heavy spring rain and bushfire danger remain in focus. Energy & Materials: Lithium prices are entering a more uncertain phase as EV and storage demand grows but project delays and conversion capacity limit timely supply. Policy & Environment: Victoria’s pothole crisis is driving debate over how to fix roads faster, including proposals to use inmates for basic roadside maintenance. Biodiversity Research: Researchers tagged 14,000 bogong moths in the Snowy Mountains, but none have been found so far—possibly pointing to a healthier population or different migration routes.