Abstract
THE conditions which made for the evolution of the fauna of Australia along its unique path, the isolation of the continent associated with the early influx of primitive groups of animals, are now hastening that peculiar fauna towards its doom. Uniqueness has its own attractions, and there can be no replenishment of the disappearing forms from the outside world. There can be no doubt on the question of the disappearance of Australian birds and mammals. Sir James Barrett expresses the general opinion in Australia when he says: “The answer is unequivocal. Except in certain places where enlightened citizens have protected them, they are all disappearing. It is difficult for anyone to show a visitor in the State of Victoria, the larger marsupials or the lyre bird. It is quite impossible to find the smaller marsupials except in a few favoured places and with great trouble. It is, indeed, feared that some varieties have been exterminated.”
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Vanishing Life of Australia. Nature 128, 425–427 (1931). https://doi.org/10.1038/128425a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/128425a0