Bill Bateman
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acanthoplus.bsky.social
Bill Bateman
@acanthoplus.bsky.social
1.2K followers 980 following 180 posts
At Curtin Uni, Perth, W. Aus - urban ecology, behavioural ecology, wildlife, conservation, eDNA. Twitter @Acanthoplus

Lab. Page: https://www.facebook.com/CurtinUniversityBehaviouralEcology
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Bill Bateman
lyndyphotos.bsky.social
In Miami, Great egrets are often found hunting in backyards for lizards, snakes, and small birds. This one caught a brown anole and a stick and is trying to figure out how to swallow one without the other. For the #HeadShots theme of #BirdOfTheDay #EastCoastKin #birds Happy Thanksgiving!
November 27, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
wildlife.nathan.fun
Monograph of the Paradiseidae, or birds of paradise and Ptilonorhynchidae, or bower-birds. London: H. Sotheran & Co., 1891-98. (source: https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/48735398) #nature #illustration #art
Monograph of the Paradiseidae, or birds of paradise and Ptilonorhynchidae, or bower-birds. London: H. Sotheran & Co., 1891-98. https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/48735398�
November 27, 2025 at 12:08 PM
acanthoplus.bsky.social
Pretty tiger snake #WildOz
November 28, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
wildlife.nathan.fun
A monograph of the Nectariniidae, or, Family of sun-birds London: Published by the author, 1876-1880. (source: http://biodiversitylibrary.org/item/113608) #nature #illustration #art
A monograph of the Nectariniidae, or, Family of sun-birds London: Published by the author, 1876-1880. http://biodiversitylibrary.org/item/113608�
November 26, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
yungenchee.bsky.social
We have no answers from our institutions as to why Go8 universities endorsed BCA's regressive EPBC recommendations

But 90 of us have signed an 'Independent statement on the Group of Eight’s position on EPBC Act reforms'

🙏 Prof Justine Bell-James for writing & coordinating the independent statement
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. Signatories (in alphabetical order of family name) Professor Justine Bell-James The University of Queensland Emeritus Professor S Don Bradshaw The University of Western Australia Associate Professor Josephine Brown The University of Melbourne Honorary Associate Professor Peter Burnett Australian National University Professor Danielle Celermajer The University of Sydney Professor Iadine Chades Monash University Dr Yung En Chee The University of Melbourne Dr Shawan Chowdhury Monash University Dr Paul Close The University of Western Australia Associate Professor Carly Cook Monash University Professor Graeme Cumming The University of Western Australia Professor Saul Cunningham Australian National University Dr Christopher Cvitanovic UNSW Canberra Dr Nicholas Deal Monash University Associate Professor Angela Dean The University of Queensland Professor Emeritus Christopher Dickman The University of Sydney Professor Kingsley Dixon The University of Western Australia Associate Professor Daniel Dunn The University of Queensland Dr Megan Evans UNSW Canberra Signatories (in alphabetical order of family name) Dr José R. Ferrer-Paris UNSW Sydney Associate Professor Anita Foerster Monash University Adjunct Professor Rob Fowler The University of Adelaide Emeritus Professor Alex Gardner The University of Western Australia Professor Christophe Gaudin The University of Western Australia Professor Andrea Gaynor The University of Western Australia Associate Professor Hedley Grantham University of New South Wales Professor Pauline Grierson The University of Western Australia Dr Liz Hicks The University of Melbourne Professor Dieter Hochuli The University of Sydney Professor Andy Hogg The Australian National University Dr Matthew Holden The University of Queensland Professor Stephen D. Hopper AC The University of Western Australia Dr Brad Jessup The University of Melbourne Laureate Professor David Keith UNSW Professor Richard Kingsford UNSW Sydney A/Professor Carissa Klein The University of Queensland Associate Professor Joanna Kyriakakis Monash University Emeritus Professor Hans Lambers The University of Western Australia Associate Professor Nina Lansbury The University of Queensland Dr Natasha LeBas The University of Western Australia Professor Sarah Legge The Australian National University Distinguished Professor David Lindenmayer The Australian National University Professor Catherine Lovelock The University of Queensland Professor Kristen Lyons The University of Queensland Professor Rosemary Lyster The University of Sydney Professor Andrew Macintosh Australian National University Dr Ray Maher The University of Queensland Professor Martine Maron The University of Queensland Professor Sharon Mascher The University of Western Australia Dr Helen Mayfield The University of Queensland Professor Michael McCarthy The University of Melbourne Associate Professor Phillipa McCormack The University of Adelaide Professor Matt McDonald The University of Queensland Signatories (in alphabetical order of family name) Professor Karen McNamara The University of Queensland Professor Jessica Meeuwig The University of Western Australia Professor Malte Meinshausen The University of Melbourne Professor Nicki Mitchell The University of Western Australia Dr Rachel Morgain University of Melbourne Professor Craig Moritz Australian National University Professor Emily Nicholson The University of Melbourne Professor David Pannell The University of Western Australia Dr Tina Parkhurst The University of Melbourne Professor Kirsten Parris The University of Melbourne Associate Professor Natasha Pauli The University of Western Australia Dr Alexandra Pavlova Monash University Professor Jacqueline Peel The University of Melbourne Professor Jamie Pittock Australian National University Dr Pieter Poot The University of Western Australia Professor Hugh Possingham The University of Queensland Professor John Quiggin The University of Queensland Dr Cristina Ramalho The University of Western Australia Professor Amanda Ridley The University of Western Australia Professor Cynthia Riginos The University of Queensland Professor David Schlosberg The University of Sydney Associate Professor Robyn Schofield The University of Melbourne Professor Leigh Simmons The University of Western Australia Professor Paul Sunnucks Monash University Professor Stephen Swearer The University of Western Australia Professor Erika Techera The University of Western Australia Associate Professor Joseph Tomkins The University of Western Australia Professor Erik Veneklaas The University of Western Australia Professor Peter Vesk The University of Melbourne Dr Ella Vines Monash University Dr Jessica Walsh Monash University Professor Glenda Wardle The University of Sydney Professor James Watson The University of Queensland Associate Professor Alexandra Wawryk The University of Adelaide Professor Brendan Wintle The University of Melbourne Dr Nerida Wilson The University of Western Australia
November 25, 2025 at 9:32 PM
acanthoplus.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
‘We could have asked ChatGPT’: students fight back over course taught by AI
Staffordshire students say signs material was AI-generated included suspicious file names and rogue voiceover accent
www.theguardian.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
pezoporus.bsky.social
Plenary 3 of #AOC2025 was the iconic @teamswiftparrot.bsky.social talking about Orange-bellied Parrots. Science, insights and lessons from over a decade of research. Without captive breeding this species will become extinct in the wild.
November 19, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
natforsdick.bsky.social
Plenary speaker Dejan Stojanovich describes how the orange bellied parrots have been resistant to conservation, and are generally a challenging species to study. A lot of research and conservation trial and effort has been put in to diagnosing causes of decline. #AOC2025
November 19, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
natforsdick.bsky.social
With 4 island types and over 300 islands, Palau has a huge diversity of habitats, for at least 168 bird species, #AOC2025 plenary speaker Heather Ketebengang tells us.
November 19, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
wildlife.nathan.fun
The animal kingdom, arranged according to its organization, serving as a foundation for the natural history of animals. v.1 plates. London: G. Henderson, 1834-1837. (source: http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/89321) #nature #illustration #art
The animal kingdom, arranged according to its organization, serving as a foundation for the natural history of animals. v.1 plates. London: G. Henderson, 1834-1837. http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/89321�
November 19, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
arc-tracker.bsky.social
Where to start, with a statement like this?

"Tim Ayres said the cuts were aimed at refocusing … CSIRO towards research priorities, such as critical minerals, iron & steel production in Australia."

From some rando down the bus stop, one would brush it off.

But this is from our Science Minister 🤯
CSIRO to cut up to 350 research jobs in major overhaul
After 440 positions were slashed last year, the CSIRO has announced more staff cuts across the country in a bid to remain financially viable.
www.abc.net.au
November 19, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
neolithicsheep.bsky.social
authors you have the chance to do the funniest thing right now
arstechnica.com Ars Technica @arstechnica.com · Aug 27
AI advocates have warned that if every author in the class action filed a claim, it would "financially ruin" the entire industry.
Authors celebrate “historic” settlement coming soon in Anthropic class action
Advocates fear such settlements will “financially ruin” the AI industry.
arstechnica.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:35 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
martinrca.bsky.social
“The promise of a world-changing technology that isn’t here…companies are stealing every scrap of data they can find, throwing computer power at it, draining our aquifers of water, our national grids of electricity and all we have is some software that you can’t trust not to make things up.”
carolecadwalla.bsky.social Carole Cadwalladr @carolecadwalla.bsky.social · 12d
NEW: Welcome to the Great AI Bubble. Yes, it’s here. And yes, it’s going to burst.

It’s also got way more in common with the Epstein scandal than you really want to know.

open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
The Great AI Bubble
Yes, it's a bubble. And yes, it's going to burst.
open.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
ketanjoshi.co
"Children’s toymaker FoloToy says it’s pulling its AI-powered teddy bear “Kumma” after a safety group found that the cuddly companion was giving wildly inappropriate and even dangerous responses, including tips on how to find and light matches, and detailed explanations about sexual kinks"
AI-Powered Stuffed Animal Pulled From Market After Disturbing Interactions With Children
FoloToy says it's suspended sales of its AI-powered teddy bear after researchers found it gave wildly inappropriate and dangerous answers.
futurism.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
lifeinfinland.bsky.social
Proof that not using poison on wildlife is beneficial. Who knew?? #neonics #birds #insects www.theguardian.com/environment/...
With neonicotinoid pesticide ban, France’s birds make a tentative recovery - study
Analysis shows small hike in populations of insect-eating species after 2018 ruling, but full recovery may take decades
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
amcell.bsky.social
I have a new role with J Zool 🔽, as Reviews Editor, along with Prof. Richelle Tanner. Please get in touch if you have any questions or ideas for a potential Review or "Perspective" article: zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/...
November 17, 2025 at 3:52 AM
acanthoplus.bsky.social
And off it goes… spiky weirdo #WildOz
November 17, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
wildlife.nathan.fun
The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle ... London, Smith, Elder & Co., 1838- (source: http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/14062454) #nature #illustration #art
The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle ... London, Smith, Elder & Co., 1838- http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/14062454�
November 17, 2025 at 3:27 AM
acanthoplus.bsky.social
Numbat doing what numbats do: looking cute and daft. #WildOz
November 16, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
cnzdenek.bsky.social
Out today! @theguardian.com writes an important article about the snake catching industry in Aus. A fascinating read. We took the journalist on a snake-education journey at our venomous-snake handling course to guide the article. Expert comment by yours truly 🤓.

www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Snakes, sheilas and a backblocks shed: the school teaching how to wrangle Australia’s most venomous reptiles
‘If you wouldn’t mind,’ the instructor says, handing out legal documents to all those who enter, ‘signing your life away’
www.theguardian.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
runwithskizzers.bsky.social
THEN YOU PURCHASE THEM AND DO NOT USE THE PROPERTY OF OTHERS
November 14, 2025 at 9:23 PM
acanthoplus.bsky.social
Applications by end of November folks, Australian and overseas students www.ecolsoc.org.au/opportunitie...
November 14, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
commonternproject.bsky.social
There’s one month left to apply for the PhD position on interactions between contaminants and parasites in common terns, co-supervised by @alicecarravieri.bsky.social, Bernd Sures from @unidue.bsky.social and myself. You can do so here: euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/380142
November 12, 2025 at 10:50 PM
acanthoplus.bsky.social
Another genius rescued from wedging itself under a parked car tyre #wildoz
November 13, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Reposted by Bill Bateman
yungenchee.bsky.social
lawd...this is unbelievably depressing...

though it is self-selected respondents (ABC news readers) and also an edited selection

www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
AI is creeping into every part of life — work, therapy, school, art — and Australians are divided between fascination and fear
We asked readers if they had thoughts or concerns about the rise of AI. This is what they told us.
www.abc.net.au
November 11, 2025 at 11:34 AM