π§ Mining waste becomes quoll shelter in Australia
Australian researchers are repurposing discarded HDPE plastic pipes to create inexpensive artificial dens in mine waste-rock piles. This experiment took place in north-western Australia, targeting threatened northern quolls. During a trial, the dens maintained conditions similar to natural shelters, with a max temp around 33.6Β°C. This approach offers a simple habitat restoration tool using readily available materials post-mining. Further testing is required to confirm these dens support long-term breeding and population recovery. π§