The first case of extinction of a mammal due to climate change

The Australian government acknowledged Monday that the rodent species Melomys rubicola was on the brink of extinction, which would be the first case of extinction of a mammal due to a change caused by man, reports the Australian newspaper The Sydney. Morning Herald.

This species was endemic to Bramble Cay, a five-hectare, three-meter high coral reef in Torres Strait waters. Researchers at the University of Queensland concluded that the key factor in the species' disappearance was the flooding of cayocausada by climate change over the past decade.

"We are currently experiencing the real effects of climate change," said Queensland Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch. "How many other species do we need to lose so that the federal government can act?" Asked Enoch.

In 2014, specialists conducted a study and conducted a species search for the following year, but found no specimens in the key. According to the researchers, the animal was last seen at Bramble Cay. The recovery plan for the species was established by the Queensland Government in 2008, but has not been implemented.

Australian Environment Minister Melissa Price has pledged that environmental agencies will focus on protecting endangered species, "thanks to the government's $ 425 million investment. in endangered species programs. "

RT.