20 Jan 2026
Scientists foretell the future of Antarctic life
A team of scientists has overcome a major challenge in predicting how Antarctic life will fare under future climate scenarios. By turning to ecological theory to bridge long-standing data gaps,…8 Dec 2025
Storms in the Southern Ocean are producing more rain – and the consequences could be global
If you ever find yourself on Macquarie Island – a narrow, wind-lashed ridge halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica – the first thing you’ll notice is the wildlife. Elephant seals sprawl…2 Dec 2025
Southern Annular Mode in most positive state in 1,000 years, review finds.
A new scientific review has revealed that the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), the Southern Hemisphere’s most influential climate driver, is now in its most positive state in over 1,000 years….2 Dec 2025
Temperatures in a patch of Antarctic moss can vary as much as an entire mountain range
Krystal Randall If you were to wander along the parts of Antarctica that are ice-free, you might be surprised to see something soft and luxurious growing right at your feet:…18 Sep 2025
The Chemistry of Antarctic Lakes
A new study, led by SAEF researcher Dr Liza McDonough from ANSTO, has sought to understand the organic molecules in five lakes around Casey Station in Antarctica.9 Sep 2025
Geoengineering is not the solution to limiting climate impacts in polar regions
Five of the most-publicized polar geoengineering ideas are highly unlikely to help the polar regions and could harm ecosystems, international relations, and reduce our chances of reaching net zero by…19 Aug 2025
Antarctic neighbourhood watch: Protecting ecosystems through expanded monitoring
Imagine a scientist offered you a ticket to Antarctica on the proviso you helped count penguins. Would you do it for the rare chance to see (and smell) a penguin…15 Aug 2025
Threats on the horizon: Emerging challenges to Antarctic conservation
SAEF scientists identify emerging challenges to Antarctic conservation and highlight opportunities to reassess and strengthen mechanisms within Antarctic governance to help secure the region.6 Aug 2025
New Antarctic Vegetation Mapping Method Combines Drones, AI and Hyperspectral Imaging
An interdisciplinary team of SAEF researchers has developed a new way to map moss and lichen in Antarctica with unprecedented precision—in a way that is quick, cost-effective and won’t disturb…4 Aug 2025
New maps show Heard Island glaciers are retreating faster—and offer guidance for their protection
Heard Island recently made headlines when US President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on it and the nearby McDonald Islands—despite no trade occurring there and no human visits to…16 Jul 2025
Bird Uniqueness Increases the Further South You Travel
SAEF scientists have revealed that bird uniqueness increases the closer you get to Antarctica. The ground-breaking discovery demonstrates that endemism (when a species is unique to a location and found…
