Bird Flu Spreads to Australian Mammals; Rare Raptor Chicks Hatch

Australia is grappling with the escalating spread of the H5 bird flu strain, which has now been confirmed in a local mammal for the first time. A long-nosed fur seal found dead in South Australia marks a significant escalation, following mass mortality events in terns on offshore islands. This development raises concerns for other at-risk mammal species, including Australian sea lions.

In more positive wildlife news, the UK's rare Montagu Harrier has successfully nested for a second consecutive year in a secret location, with new chicks hatching. Meanwhile, a large-scale vaccination program is underway for over 1,000 little penguins on Phillip Island to protect them against bird flu. In Norfolk, wild beaver kits have been born for the first time in over 500 years, adding to the region's conservation successes.