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NewsMail Morning Edition Thu 20 Mar, 2014 Top Stories More Top Stories » Scientists resign 'zombie' species to extinction By Margot O'Neill The dramatic ongoing loss of Australian animal and plant species has prompted influential scientists to call on governments to start making tough decisions about which ones to save - and which species should be left to face extinction.  The proposal to triage species comes from biologists who say the current focus on saving all of Australia's 1,500 threatened species is misplaced, and believe there should be more emphasis on saving the most vital ecosystems and species. Professor David Bowman, an expert in environmental change biology, says the difficulty is confronting the notion that not all species are equal. He says species numbering less than a few hundred in the wild, like the orange-bellied parrot, are "zombie species". "There are heroic efforts to try to keep it going in the wild. You really have to look at that expenditure and ask 'is this really a smart use of money?'" he said. More » Madeleine McCann police seek lone sex attacker Chinese relatives' anger erupts in Malaysia over missing plane Sinodinos stands aside as Assistant Treasurer over ICAC investigation Pistorius trial hears pornography viewing shows relationship was strained Government considers sanctions on Russia in relation to G20 Fisherman awarded $44,000 in compensation over destroyed boat More Analysis » The abortion debate isn't over yet Think that abortion law is a settled issue in this country? Imagine that a woman's right to choose is a principle guaranteed by law and long practice? Well, you'd be wrong in substantial part across the Commonwealth, and the drift of contemporary politics seems certain to make abortion a continuing and critical issue of deep political contest. Recent comments from Victorian Liberal Bernie Finn and his federal colleague Cory Bernardi have only added fuel to the fire of debate. More » Banks get green light instead of red tape Better bike lanes are the issue - not 'dooring' The ICAC's destruction hits both sides A double dose can turn voters off March in March gave dissent a bad name Personal political attacks don't advance the cause Research needed to ensure clean bill of health Australia needs its young workers back The ABC showcases entertainment and integrity Just In More Just In » Key SA independent might be leaning toward Labor for government By Alex Mann One of the independents who might determine which side governs in South Australia has given a strong indication he could support Jay Weatherill as premier and deliver Labor a fourth consecutive term in power. Country MP Geoff Brock and the city independent MP, Bob Such, are set to decide who becomes the next premier if there is a hung parliament after last weekend's election. More » Two soldiers injured in training exercise flown to Brisbane hospital Attorney-General to appeal Cowan's sentence for murdering Daniel Morcombe Australia edges New Zealand in World Twenty20 practice match Tinkler's Knights ownership doubts grow amid more asset sales Toyota to pay $1.3b for deadly defect cover-up Zuma ordered to repay part costs of 'unlawful' home renovations Madeleine McCann police seek lone sex attacker Scientists resign 'zombie' species to extinction Government considers sanctions on Russia in relation to G20 World More World » Toyota to pay $1.3b for deadly defect cover-up By North America correspondent Jane Cowan, wires Toyota has reached a record $1.32 billion settlement to resolve a criminal investigation into safety issues linked to at least five deaths. 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More » Bank stocks boost share market OECD warns of rising poverty in Australia as GFC fallout continues Fitch Ratings has few concerns on Australian iron ore outlook Dixon backs Qantas Sale Act scrapping Unfair credit card surcharges may lead to regulatory intervention David Jones posts profit fall despite sales increase Politics More Politics » Key SA independent might be leaning toward Labor for government By Alex Mann One of the independents who might determine which side governs in South Australia has given a strong indication he could support Jay Weatherill as premier and deliver Labor a fourth consecutive term in power. Country MP Geoff Brock and the city independent MP, Bob Such, are set to decide who becomes the next premier if there is a hung parliament after last weekend's election. More » Zuma ordered to repay part costs of 'unlawful' home renovations Government considers sanctions on Russia in relation to G20 Unfair credit card surcharges may lead to regulatory intervention ALP needs new mining tax policy, says WA Labor MP MacTiernan Sport More Sport » Mariners defeated 2-1 by Beijing Guoan The Central Coast Mariners face an uphill battle to progress to the ACL knockout stage after a 2-1 loss to Beijing Guoan. More » Wanderers claim second Champions League scalp Australia edges New Zealand in World Twenty20 practice match Tinkler's Knights ownership doubts grow amid more asset sales Sydney MLB clash shapes as grudge match Murray and coach Lendl split Science and Technology More Science and Technology » Study examines theory that eating less makes animals live longer By Ashley Hall A team of evolutionary biologists from the University of New South Wales has developed a new theory which might eventually unlock the fountain of youth. More » Big Bang echoes detected by US scientists Warming melts last stable edge of Greenland ice sheet DNA test a possible solution to cattle dehorning procedures 3D printed parts used in facial reconstruction surgery Environment More Environment » Scientists resign 'zombie' species to extinction By Margot O'Neill The dramatic ongoing loss of Australian animal and plant species has prompted influential scientists to call on governments to start making tough decisions about which ones to save - and which species should be left to face extinction.  The proposal to triage species comes from biologists who say the current focus on saving all of Australia's 1,500 threatened species is misplaced, and believe there should be more emphasis on saving the most vital ecosystems and species. Professor David Bowman, an expert in environmental change biology, says the difficulty is confronting the notion that not all species are equal. He says species numbering less than a few hundred in the wild, like the orange-bellied parrot, are "zombie species". "There are heroic efforts to try to keep it going in the wild. You really have to look at that expenditure and ask 'is this really a smart use of money?'" he said. More » Electric car devotees push for supercharged highway in WA No evidence to link wind farm noise to health: AMA Greenpeace sues Russia over Arctic 30 detention Climate change's effect on crops worse than thought: study About this email You received this email because you are subscribed to ABC News email alerts. This message was sent to you at starnewsposting@gmail.com Please add newslists@your.abc.net.au to your email address book to see images by default and stop the email being treated as spam. This email address is not monitored - Please don't reply to this email. 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