endangered

As in Brazil, it’s a nakedly political effort to fling a life preserver to an endangered right-wing ally.

Last season, almost 90% of the animals caught in NSW's nets were not target species – including 11 critically endangered, and largely docile, grey nurse sharks.

Prof Steinbach added: "We think this is a significant step forward, and not necessarily only for the elephants, but because it also shows that you can design and apply vaccines to help endangered species."

The competition has gained international attention in recent years, following the controversial campaign by comedian John Oliver to get the endangered pūteketeke to win.

It is also home to critically endangered black rhinos.