Search results for ""csiro publishing""

The red kangaroo is at the heart of Australia’s ecological identity. It is Australia's largest terrestrial land mammal, the largest extant marsupial, and the only kangaroo truly restricted to Australia’s arid interior. Almost nothing was known about the ecology of the red kangaroo when a young Alan Newsome began to study it in 1957.He discovered how droughts affect reproduction, why red kangaroos favour different habitats during droughts from those after rains, and that unprecedented explosions in red kangaroo numbers were caused by changes to the landscape wrought by graziers. Most importantly, he realised the possibilities of enriching western science with Indigenous knowledge, a feat recognised today as one of the greatest achievements of his career.First drafted in 1975 and now revised and prepared for publication by his son, The Red Kangaroo in Central Australia captures Alan's thoughts as a young ecologist working in Central Australia in the 1950s and 1960s. It will inspire a new generation of scientists to explore Australia's vast interior and study the extraordinary adaptations of its endemic mammals. It will also appeal to readers of other classics of Australian natural history, such as Francis Ratcliffe's Flying Fox and Drifting Sand and Harry Frith's The Mallee Fowl, The Bird that Builds an Incubator.

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Ever wondered how vaccines work, why whales strand themselves or if luck exists? The Explainer: From Déjà Vu to Why the Sky Is Blue, and Other Conundrums is a collection of around 100 of the best articles published in ‘The Explainer’ and ‘Monday’s Medical Myths’ sections of The Conversation. The book answers questions on everyone's mind about a diverse range of topics, abstract concepts, and popular and hard core science. Sections include: animals and agriculture, body, climate and energy, medical myths, mind and brain, research and technology, and more. Expert authors combine facts, analysis, new ideas and enthusiasm to make often challenging topics highly readable in just a few short pages. This book is for the curious, those with a thirst for answers, and those with a fascination of how phenomena, new technologies and current issues in our daily lives work.

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Taxonomy of Australian Mammals utilises the latest morphometric and genetic research to develop the most up to date and comprehensive revision of the taxonomy of Australian mammals undertaken to date. It proposes significant changes to the higher ranks of a number of groups and recognises several genera and species that have only very recently been identified as distinct. This easy to use reference also includes a complete listing of all species, subspecies and synonyms for all of Australia’s mammals, both native and introduced as well as terrestrial and marine.This book lays a foundation for future taxonomic work and identifies areas where taxonomic studies should be targeted, not only at the species and subspecies level but also broader phylogenetic relationships. This work will be an essential reference for students, scientists, wildlife managers and those interested in the science of taxonomy.

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This book tells the fascinating success story of saving the flightless Woodhen of Lord Howe Island. This unique large rail, an iconic and highly endangered Australian bird, was at the very brink of extinction with just 15 individuals found in 1980, when bold and risky actions were taken to save it.The book begins with the discovery and ecology of Lord Howe Island. It then details the history of the Woodhen, its place among the rails and their evolution of flightlessness, the planning, implementation and trials, tribulations and successes of the captive breeding programme and the way in which the wild population recovered. The ecology, behaviour and breeding biology of this unique flightless island rail are also discussed. The text is accompanied by numerous photographs and drawings.This is a story of survival, yet the bird remains highly endangered as it is under constant potential threat, which could tip it over the brink and to extinction. The Woodhen provides gripping insights into the potential for both losing and saving vertebrate species.

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Essentials of Urban Design explains the fundamental concepts of urban design, providing the understanding and tools needed to achieve better design outcomes. It is equally useful for designing places and evaluating designs.Each chapter outlines the key steps in designing or assessing a different type of development. All common types of urban development are addressed, from infill buildings to whole urban growth areas, residential to employment uses, and centres to public transport interchanges. For each development type, widely accepted urban design principles are explained, and 'rules of thumb' provided.This practical handbook is liberally illustrated with diagrams, photos of 'good' and 'bad' examples of urban design and handy checklists for common urban design tasks. It will be a valuable reference tool for architects, developers, urban planners, traffic engineers, landscape architects, councillors, planning lawyers, planning tribunal members and residents concerned about development.

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Interest in the conservation and welfare of Australian native wildlife continues to grow. Veterinarians are now frequently asked to treat these animals and there is increasing veterinary involvement in conservation programs for threatened and endangered species. In Australia and overseas, Australian mammals are used in research, kept as pets and are popular display animals in zoos and fauna parks. This book gives a detailed account of the unique radiographic anatomy of Australian mammals. It provides veterinary practitioners and zoologists with descriptions and images of normal radiographic anatomy, which will be valuable in the study of these animals and assist with the diagnosis of injury and disease – knowing what is normal is essential in order to recognise what is abnormal.A discussion of the importance of radiographic technique, covering restraint and positioning of the animal to obtain diagnostic images, is followed by chapters showing the normal radiographic anatomy of short-beaked echidnas, platypus, macropods, koalas, wombats, dasyurids, possums and gliders, bandicoots and the bilby, and bats. Each chapter includes a detailed description of anatomy relevant to radiography and multiple images of normal radiographs with outlines and annotations highlighting structures and organs. Radiology of Australian Mammals also includes a chapter on dental radiology, as well as radiographic pathology case studies describing common diseases and injuries that can be readily diagnosed on radiographs, which will assist veterinary practitioners in making diagnoses in their patients. A checklist of the mammals of Australia and its territories and a glossary of abbreviations and terms used for annotation of images complete the volume.

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For most of the past 300 million years, the world's continents were interlinked as the supercontinents Pangaea and then Gondwana. Around 50 million years ago, Australia tore itself free from Antarctica to become the huge, splendidly isolated island it is today. Over time, its creatures began to evolve in ways not seen anywhere else on Earth, with tree-climbing crocodiles, gigantic venomous lizards, walking omnivorous bats and flesh-eating kangaroos roaming the continent. Prehistoric Australasia: Visions of Evolution and Extinction presents some of the most extraordinary creatures the world has ever seen – all unique to Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand and their surrounding islands.Over 100 meticulously painted panoramas by palaeoartist Peter Schouten are accompanied by descriptions of the unique environments and features of these animals, written by four of Australia's foremost palaeontologists. This book explores the nature and timing of extinction events in the Southern Hemisphere, considers whether some of these losses might be able to be reversed, and how we can use the fossil record to help save today's critically endangered species.Through stunning artwork and fascinating text, Prehistoric Australasia brings this globally unique transformation over time to glorious, colourful life.Features Offers fascinating glimpses into the prehistoric past of Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea. More than 100 paintings showcasing the changing biotas of Australasia over the last 3.6 billion years. Reveals the unique features of prehistoric animals and the environments where they lived.

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Future Park invites Australian policy-makers and built environment professionals to consider the future of parks in our cities. It describes the economic, social and environmental benefits of urban parks, and then outlines the threats and challenges facing cities and communities in an age when more than half the world’s population are urban dwellers. This book introduces the need to embrace new public park thinking to ensure that benefits continue to be realised.The first public parks were created on urban ‘greenfields’. Once these designated sites had been used, cities looked towards post-industrial sites, and built parks in places that had suffered from environmental degradation, neglect, abandonment and conflict. With finite stocks of urban post-industrial land now also approaching exhaustion, more ways of making parks are required to create inclusive, accessible and resilient urban places. Future Park presents recent proposals and projects that coalesce around four broad themes – linkages, obsolescences, co-locations and installations – responding to contemporary urban paradoxes, and ensuring parks continue to play a vital role in the lives of our cities.

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This three-volume series represents a comprehensive treatment of the beetles of Australia, a relatively under-studied fauna that includes many unusual and unique lineages found nowhere else on Earth.Volume 2 contains 36 chapters, providing critical information and identification keys to the genera of the Australian beetle families included in suborders Archostemata, Myxophaga, Adephaga and several groups of Polyphaga (Scirtoidea, Hydrophiloidea, Scarabaeoidea, Buprestoidea and Tenebrionidae). Each chapter is richly illustrated in black and white drawings and photographs. The book also includes colour habitus figures for about 1000 Australian beetle genera and subgenera belonging to the families treated in this volume.This volume is a truly international collaborative effort, as the chapters have been written by 23 contributors from Australia, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland and USA.Features Provides detailed accounts and keys to genera of Australian beetle families included in suborders Archostemata, Myxophaga, Adephaga and several groups of Polyphaga (Scirtoidea, Hydrophiloidea, Scarabaeoidea, Buprestoidea and Tenebrionidae). Chapters are richly illustrated with black and white drawings and photographs and colour habitus figures for about 1000 genera and subgenera are also included. Volume 1 received the 2014 Whitley Award Commendation for Taxonomic Zoology.

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For the first time in a single volume, this book brings together more than 150 of the best walks, tracks or trails in Victoria, which can be walked, cycled or driven by the moderately fit individual. They are located in national and state parks, state forests, conservation reserves, historic parks and local government and public easements. Other routes follow state highways, old railways and gold routes, or pass bushranger haunts and back roads linking towns, historical and geological or geographical features. Most of the routes chosen do not require specialist navigation or bushcraft skills, and vary from a short 45 minutes on a boardwalk to four-day long-distance walking and camping. Walks, Tracks and Trails of Victoria covers the best the state has to offer, from deserts to coastal and mountain environments. It highlights the features of each location and encourages you to enjoy the experience at an informed level. Easy-to-interpret maps are included to help you navigate, and the book’s size makes it convenient to bring with you on your adventures.

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The management of wild rabbits is a vexing problem worldwide. In countries such as Australia and New Zealand, wild rabbits are regarded as serious pests to agriculture and the environment, while in many European countries they are considered an important hunting resource, and are a cornerstone species in Mediterranean ecosystems, modifying habitats and supporting important predator populations such as the Iberian lynx. The introduction of two viral diseases, myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease, as biological control agents in Australia has been met favourably, yet their spread in southern Europe threatens natural rabbit populations. Despite this, scientists with very different goals still work together with a common interest in understanding rabbit biology and epidemiology.Australia's War Against Rabbits uses rabbit haemorrhagic disease as an important case study in understanding how animal populations adapt to diseases, caused in this case by an RNA virus. Looking at rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in an ecological framework enables insights into both virus and rabbit biology that are relevant for understanding other emerging diseases of importance to humans.This book provides up-to-date information on recent advances in areas ranging from virus structure and disease mechanics through to the sociological implications of using biological control agents and the benefits to the economy and biodiversity. It is a compelling read for wildlife disease researchers, wildlife managers, rabbit biologists, people working in the public health and education sectors, and landholders and farmers with experience or interest in RHD. Brings together ideas from general biology, ecology and evolution as background for understanding disease transmission and epidemiology, aspects not normally covered by medicine or veterinary medicine in dealing with newly emergent diseases. While the development of vaccines circumvents the need for a precise understanding of epidemiology for many human diseases, there are others such as avian influenza where a broader understanding of epidemiology would help with risk analysis.

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The Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook specifies methods and terminology for soil and land surveys. It has been widely used throughout Australia, providing one reference set of definitions for the characterisation of landform, vegetation, land surface, soil and substrate. The book advocates that a comprehensive suite of land and soil attributes be recorded in a uniform manner. This approach is more useful than the allocation of land or soil to preconceived types or classes. The third edition includes revised chapters on location and vegetation as well as some new landform elements. These updates have been guided by the National Committee on Soil and Terrain, a steering committee comprising representatives from key federal, state and territory land resource assessment agencies. Essential reading for all professionals involved in land resource surveys, this book will also be of value to students and educators in soil science, geography, ecology, agriculture, forestry, resource management, planning, landscape architecture and engineering.

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The marine algae are plants of considerable biological and economic importance. The Nemaliales, one of the most diverse and significant orders of red algae in Australian waters, is found on shores, in rockpools and in the subtidal on all coasts of Australia. These beautiful and unusual plants offer a spectacular range of form and colour; some are relatively firm and chalky, others are worm-like or are highly mucilaginous and have the consistency of jelly. This volume is richly illustrated with colour photographs and line drawings, and documents the three families, 20 genera and 56 species of Australian Nemaliales. A detailed introduction to the history, structure, reproduction and relationships of the order is followed by advice on the microscopical examination of specimens, identification keys to families, genera and species and comprehensive descriptions of each taxon. Appendices include the description of the new genus Titanophycus and DNA sequence analyses of the evolutionary relationships of the order.

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Australian Weevils: Volume IV covers the 11 smaller tribes of the weevil subfamily Entiminae (broad-nosed weevils), which comprises more than 100 genera and 700 described species in Australia. Around half of this fauna is covered in Volume IV, featuring keys to all the tribes, genera and described species as well as updated concepts and diagnoses of the tribes and summarising accounts of the taxonomy, nomenclature, distribution and known hostplants of all the genera and species. All the introduced species of Entiminae in Australia, most of which are regarded as agricultural or horticultural pests, are included, as are descriptions of 12 new genera and eight new species and identifications of about another 240 undescribed species.The book also includes an overview of the salient characters of the Entiminae, illustrated on 18 colour plates of diagnostic features needed for identifying these weevils, alongside a further 180 colour plates illustrating the habitus and genitalia of all the genera and of several other species and their diagnostic characters. The volume further includes an obituary and full publication list of the late Elwood C. Zimmerman as well as an updated list of recent literature on the Australian Entiminae and other weevils. The book is an essential reference work for researchers and students working with entimine weevils both in Australia and abroad. Features Provides an introduction to the large weevil subfamily Entiminae (broad-nosed weevils) of Australia, including an overview of the morphological features of the subfamily and key to all 12 tribes of Entiminae in Australia. Systematic treatment of the 11 smaller tribes, including their taxonomic and nomenclatural history, diagnoses and keys to all their genera and described species; covering most pest species of the subfamily in Australia. Includes an updated list of literature references to Australian Entiminae and other weevils.

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A tiny caterpillar begins its journey towards becoming a magnificent butterfly.The Butterfly and the Ants tells the wonderful true story of a butterfly's lifecycle. 'Blue' might seem an odd name for a small caterpillar, but follow him as he meets some welcoming ants, produces honey and undergoes an amazing transformation. You'll also discover how he gets his name! Beautifully illustrated, this engaging story offers an insight into the fascinating relationships between plants, butterflies and ants. Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 9.

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Australia is home to more than 240 species of frogs, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.The Photographic Field Guide to Australian Frogs provides readers with the tools to confidently identify 242 species and five recognised subspecies. It includes detailed information on the distribution, habitat preferences and call of each frog species, as well as fully illustrated keys to genera to assist with identification. Multiple photographs of each species show variation in colour and pattern as well as features used for identification such as thigh colouration, skin texture, belly colour and patterning, eye colour and extent of webbing between the toes.With a strong focus on illustrating variation and key diagnostic features, this guide will enable frog enthusiasts, environmental professionals and research scientists to identify Australian frog species with a high level of confidence.Features Features detailed descriptions with comparative analysis to improve accurate identification. Is generously illustrated with feature-specific images (e.g. photos of webbing, finger discs, posterior thigh colour, bellies), which are vital for accurate identification. Includes keys for identification and individualised distribution maps. Includes detailed call descriptions with comparison to similar species.

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Though many are harmless and even beneficial, invertebrates are some of the world’s most feared and dangerous creatures.Guide to Venomous and Medically Important Invertebrates describes the health threats posed by invertebrate groups worldwide, from physical pain and annoyance to disease transmission risk. Featuring clear photographs, distribution maps and descriptions of biological, physical and behavioural characteristics of key groups, this book aids identification of potentially harmful invertebrates. It also summarises personal protection measures to reduce the risk of attack and disease, and provides guidance on treatment.This book will help to protect the health of travellers and serve as a reference for medical personnel working in high-risk areas, as well as those interested in entomology.FeaturesAn essential guide for identifying and mitigating risks from invertebrates worldwideProvides distribution maps, key features, photographs and general descriptions of the most dangerous invertebratesSummarises expected reactions to invertebrate attacks, and their treatment (if known)Describes personal protective measures and provides recommendations that individuals can use to protect themselves from dangerous invertebrates

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This beautifully illustrated field guide covers 504 of the most common fruiting plants found in Australia's eastern rainforests, as well as a few species that are rare in the wild but generally well-known. These spectacular plants can be seen from Cape York to Victoria, with some species also found in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and overseas.Rainforest fruits are often beautifully coloured, and in this guide the species are arranged by colour of ripe fruit, then by size and form. Five broad categories – pink to purple, blue to black, yellow and orange to red, green to brown, and white – allow people with even limited botanical knowledge to identify rainforest fruits.Each species description is accompanied by a leaf drawing, a distribution map, and diagnostic characters to help the reader distinguish similar species.Australian Rainforest Fruits includes stunning artwork by Australia’s leading natural history artist, William T Cooper. It will be sought not just by bushwalkers and natural history enthusiasts, but also by those who admire botanical art at its best.

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A short-tailed shearwater flies from the edge of the Southern Ocean to the rim of the Arctic Circle – and back – every year. This remarkable 30,000 kilometre journey is driven by seabird law.Instinct and community will guide her. A wingspan the size of a child’s outstretched arms will support her. But first, she must catch the wind…Based on birds that live on Griffith Island, near Port Fairy, Victoria, Windcatcher is a tale of migration, conservation and survival that begins with one small bird called Hope.Written by award-winning children’s author Diane Jackson Hill and illustrated by Craig Smith, one of Australia’s most prolific and popular illustrators, Windcatcher explores the mysteries of seabird migration for primary aged readers.Features Remarkable story of the migration of the short-tailed shearwater from the Southern Ocean to the Artic Circle and back. Explores themes of seabird migration, conservation and survival. Teacher Notes to support use in the classroom will be available from the CSIRO Publishing website. From the author and illustrator of Chooks in Dinner Suits, which was a 2017 CBCA Notable and Wilderness Society Environmental Award for Children’s Literature picture fiction book winner.

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Are you a curious kid? Then let’s get hands-on! The best-selling team behind Hands-On Science present 50 more fun DIY science activities that you can share with your friends and family. With clear step-by-step instructions and engaging illustrations, as well as real-world examples of science, technology, engineering and maths, these new hands-on activities use easy-to-find, everyday materials to help you discover the answers to amazing science!The activities in More Hands-On Science cover motion, light, sound, growth and survival, sustainability, solids and gases, chemical reactions, engineering, tech and patterns. Each activity uses a simple list of materials and you’ll be blown away by interesting experiments, reactions, inventions and coding. It’s jam-packed with fast facts, and there are quiz questions to test your knowledge!Discover even more about the weird and wonderful world of science by making: a mini greenhouse, reverse drums, spinning soakers, jelly lenses, rainbow torches, a superhero name generator and much more.Ideal for children aged 7-14, teachers notes are available to download for free on the CSIRO Publishing website. Fun hands-on activities with clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations that use materials from around the home. Activities assessed with safety and sustainability in mind, exploring current, relevant concepts across science, technology, engineering and maths. Written by CSIRO’s Double Helix magazine team who have a long-standing reputation for delivering expertly written, fascinating and fun science material for young people.

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Farm finance is a topic that is not often discussed but is vital to the success and longevity of these unique family businesses. Sustainable Farm Finance draws upon the practical, on-farm financial experience of John Mitchell, a grazier in New South Wales who saved his family farm, transforming it from financial peril to a successful business. The story of his success, and how he achieved it, is told here with input and insights from economist Bruce Chapman and scientist David Lindenmayer, to create a useful and highly readable resource for property managers in Australia.Filled with tips and suggestions for how to better manage your own farm finance, as well as real-life examples of their application in regional Australia, this is an essential resource for farmers who wish to maximise the financial outcomes of their land.

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Explore the fascinating world of native Australian animals through the five basic senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Covering more than 145 truly astounding animals – from sharp-eyed whale sharks to sticky-bellied green tree frogs – Sensational Australian Animals showcases the strange things these creatures can do with their eyes, ears, noses, mouths and skin! Meet birds that laugh, frogs that quack and fish that sing. Discover mammals that glow in the dark and seahorses disguised as seaweed. Be surprised by turtles that breathe through their bums and squirm at lizards that clean their eyes with their tongues. And then there's the dangerous creatures that bite and sting!Be intrigued, amazed and astonished by what insects, birds, spiders, fish and many other animals are capable of!Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 8 to 12.

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This comprehensive guide describes the 447 species of wild orchids that occur in Victoria, Australia. This region is one of the richest in the world for its diversity of temperate terrestrial orchids. Orchid diversity in Victoria spans some of the smallest to some of the largest orchids in Australia, from the minute Mallacoota Midge Orchid, with flowers just 2 mm across, to the large King Orchid, with big plants having hundreds of fragrant flowers and weighing many kilograms.Guide to Native Orchids of Victoria includes brief descriptions on all species, enabling their identification in the field. With more than 460 photographs of wild orchids in their natural habitat and distribution maps for almost all species, this guide will delight and inspire anyone interested in orchids.FEATURES: Covers all 447 species of wild orchids occurring in the Australian state of Victoria (as at March 2022). Includes 66 species of distinctive but as yet undescribed orchids that occur in the region. Includes photographs of almost all species of wild orchids occurring in Victoria, including some species never illustrated before. The most comprehensive guide for orchids of Victoria ever produced.

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Deep in the forest, an ancient wonder is about to be found. Descended from a family of trees going back 200 million years, the Wollemi pine has survived ice, fire and the passing of many generations.Will a bushfire be the final threat to this living fossil? And how will we protect it, now that everyone wants a dinosaur tree? How can we make sure the Wollemi's secret location is not discovered and damaged?Wollemi: Saving a Dinosaur Tree explains the unique and critically endangered status of the Wollemi pine and explores what actions can be taken today to contribute to the conservation of this rare and beautiful tree.Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 9.

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The Australian wildfires of 2019–20 (Black Summer) were devastating and unprecedented. These megafires burnt more than 10 million hectares, mostly of forests in southern and eastern Australia. Many of the fires were uncontrollable. These megafires affected many of Australia's most important conservation areas and severely impacted threatened species and ecological communities. They were a consequence of climate change – and offered a glimpse of how this is likely to continue to affect our future.Australia's Megafires includes contributions by more than 200 researchers and managers with direct involvement in the management and conservation of the biodiversity affected by the Black Summer wildfires. It provides a comprehensive review of the impacts of these fires on all components of biodiversity, and on Indigenous cultural values.These fires also triggered an extraordinary and highly collaborative response by governments, NGOs, Indigenous groups, scientists, landholders and others, seeking to recover the fire-affected species and environments – to restore Country. This book documents that response. It draws lessons that should be heeded to sustain that recovery and to be better prepared for the inevitable future comparable catastrophes. Such lessons are of global relevance, for wildfires increasingly threaten biodiversity and livelihoods across the globe.FEATURES: Documents the major impacts on wildlife, ecological communities, sites of biodiversity significance and Indigenous cultural values. Explores the extraordinary collaborative response to attempt to recover impacted species and environments. Provides perspectives from people involved in the fire management and recovery. Identifies necessary learnings to reduce the chance of future such catastrophes, to be better prepared and better enable recovery. Includes responses and recommendations that will be broadly applicable to comparable environmental catastrophes around the world.

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Australia is home to many distinctive species of birds, and Aboriginal peoples have developed close alliances with them over the millennia of their custodianship of this country. Aboriginal Peoples and Birds in Australia: Historical and Cultural Relationships provides a review of the broad physical, historical and cultural relationships that Aboriginal people have had with the Australian avifauna.This book aims to raise awareness of the alternative bodies of ornithological knowledge that reside outside of Western science. It describes the role of birds as totemic ancestors and spirit beings, and explores Aboriginal bird nomenclature, foraging techniques and the use of avian materials to make food, medicine and artefacts. Through a historical perspective, this book examines the gaps between knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples and Western science, to encourage greater collaboration and acknowledgment in the future.Cultural sensitivityReaders are warned that there may be words, descriptions and terms used in this book that are culturally sensitive, and which might not normally be used in certain public or community contexts. While this information may not reflect current understanding, it is provided by the author in a historical context.This publication may also contain quotations, terms and annotations that reflect the historical attitude of the original author or that of the period in which the item was written, and may be considered inappropriate today. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this publication may contain the names and images of people who have passed away.Features Provides a historical review of the cultural roles of birds and their importance to Aboriginal peoples in Australia. Explores Indigenous knowledge, to inform future research in ornithology, anthropology and ethnoscience. Illustrated with photos taken by the author over 40 years of fieldwork.

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What do you know about wasps?There are wasps that shimmer in shades of bright blue and green. There are some without wings – and some almost too tiny to see. Some capture spiders, while others nest in fruit or mud.With over 12 000 species found in Australia, Wonderful Wasps brings the beauty and importance of native wasps to life, and reminds us every creature matters in its own wonderful way.Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 6 to 9.FEATURES Showcases the beauty and unique features of Australian native wasps. Highlights how important native wasps are for pollination and insect control. Explores how even the smallest – and sometimes less-liked – creatures matter for our natural environment.

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Can you imagine a strange and colourful fish that looks like a dragon? It can’t fly or breathe fire, but it is an excellent dancer!The weedy seadragon is an amazing underwater fish with a talent for camouflage, weird eating habits and a unique courtship dance. But its habitat and future are threatened. This enchanting story takes you under the sea to meet this mysterious sea creature, and reveals its weird and wonderful ways.Written by Anne Morgan, and beautifully illustrated by Lois Bury, The Way of the Weedy Seadragon invites you to dive into the astonishing lives of one of the world’s most curious sea creatures.Features Species with fascinating features, including leaf-like appendages to assist with camouflage. They also do a courtship ‘dance’ before mating. Includes a glossary and a section explaining more about the weedy seadragon and the threats it’s currently facing including ocean plastics, disappearing habitat and ocean acidification. Beautiful and colourful illustrations by Lois Bury showcase the weedy seadragon and its environment.

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This comprehensive guide describes the 582 species of wild orchids that occur in NSW and the ACT. This region covers the richest area for wild orchids in Australia and includes over 500 species of seasonal ground orchids and 62 species of evergreen tree and rock orchids. Orchids found in this region include the tallest, heaviest, smallest flowered, most numerous flowered and most bizarre orchids in Australia, including elusive underground species.Guide to Native Orchids of NSW and ACT describes each species, enabling their identification in the field, and includes over 600 photographs of wild orchids in their natural habitat and distribution maps for almost all species. Featuring orchids with a dazzling array of colour and form, this is the essential guide for all orchid enthusiasts.Features Covers all of the wild orchids of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory (as at February 2021). Includes 65 species of distinctive but as yet undescribed orchids that occur in the region. Includes photographs of almost all species of wild orchids occurring in the region, including several species never illustrated before. Most comprehensive field guide for orchids of the region ever produced.

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The Invertebrate World of Australia’s Subtropical Rainforests is a comprehensive review of Australia’s Gondwanan rainforest invertebrate fauna, covering its taxonomy, distribution, biogeography, fossil history, plant community and insect–plant relationships. This is the first work to document the invertebrate diversity of this biologically important region, as well as explain the uniqueness and importance of the organisms.This book examines invertebrates within the context of the plant world that they are dependent on and offers an understanding of Australia’s outstanding (but still largely unknown) subtropical rainforests. All major, and many minor, invertebrate taxa are described and the book includes a section of colour photos of distinctive species. There is also a strong emphasis on plant and habitat associations and fragmentation impacts, as well as a focus on the regionally inclusive Gondwana Rainforests (Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia) World Heritage Area.The Invertebrate World of Australia’s Subtropical Rainforestswill be of value to professional biologists and ecologists, as well as amateur entomologists and naturalists in Australia and abroad. Brings together a broad body of information otherwise scattered in journals of diverse specialist subject matter. Offers a unique perspective marrying invertebrates to their plant world and the landscape in which they live and are dependent upon. Original colour photographs illustrate the many iconic taxa discussed, highlighting Australia’s outstanding (but still largely unknown) subtropical rainforests.

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A child's day in the garden with their Gran and Pa leads to a wonderful exploration of pollination.Join them in discovering how pollination happens in our gardens and backyards, and the importance it has for our environment. Meet the animals involved in pollination and the plants that depend on pollination to produce our fruit, vegetables and even our clothes!Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.FEATURES: Showcases how important pollination is for our sustainability and environment. Discover the animals involved in pollination and the plants that need pollination to survive. Created by an award-winning author and illustrator.

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Throughout much of the world, frog populations are declining, with the survival of many species under threat. In Australia, several species have become extinct in the past 35 years. This second edition of Field Guide to the Frogs of Australia provides fully updated accounts of all the known frogs of Australia. There are 248 species within the five native frog families: Hylidae, Limnodynastidae, Microhylidae, Myobatrachidae and Ranidae. Also included are the introduced Cane Toad and nine ‘stowaway’ species that have arrived in Australia. Each species account includes details of size, status, distribution, habitat, behaviour and advertisement call. Species are beautifully illustrated with full-colour paintings and distribution maps are also included. Closely related frogs are shown in identical poses so that comparisons can be made readily. The introductory section of the book covers frog biology and habitats and includes notes on families and genera.FEATURES Provides fully updated species accounts for 248 species of frogs, within five native frog families Provides updated information on the distribution of many species, including several toadlets in Western Australia Contains beautiful painted illustrations of frog species to allow identification, including a number of new paintings

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This Second Edition of Australian Bird Names is a completely updated checklist of Australian birds and the meanings behind their common and scientific names, which may be useful, useless or downright misleading!For each species, the authors examine the many-and-varied common names and full scientific name, with derivation, translation and a guide to pronunciation. Stories behind the name are included, as well as relevant aspects of biology, conservation and history. Original descriptions, translated by the authors, have been sourced for many species.As well as being a book about names, this is a book about the history of the ever-developing understanding of birds, about the people who contributed to this understanding and, most of all, about the birds themselves. This Second Edition has been revised to follow current taxonomy and understanding of the relationships between families, genera and species. It contains new taxa, updated text and new vagrants and will be interesting reading for anyone with a love of birds, words or the history of Australian biology and bird-watching.Features Offers readers with a greater understanding of the origins and bases for the names and relationships of Australian birds, which will in turn provide greater appreciation of and familiarity with the birds themselves Presented in an entertaining and discursive manner, so that it can be read for enjoyment, as well as a reference Expanded, rewritten and reorganised to conform taxonomically to the most recent version of the International Ornithological Committee’s (IOC) World Bird List (Version 8.2), including the addition of new vagrants and taxa

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Have you ever wondered how to grow your own rainforest trees? Is there a beautiful tree that you have always wanted to collect and propagate the seed from? Are you in the business of ecological restoration, rainforest propagation or environmental education?This long-awaited guide to rainforest seed propagation unlocks the secrets to growing 300 rainforest species. Providing specific information on how to sustainably collect, process and germinate seeds, this user-friendly book aims to support a growing movement of rainforest restoration. With invaluable information based on 30 years of research in northern New South Wales, users will find even difficult rainforest species delightfully easy to grow. Seeing a seed germinate, caring for the seedling and eventually planting the tree is deeply satisfying. And, in this time of widespread deforestation, millions of trees are needed for restoration and every tree counts. Whether you are growing one or one hundred thousand, why not start today?

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Plant Names is an invaluable guide to the use of scientific, commercial and common names for plants and the conventions for writing them. Written by horticultural botanists at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, this book covers the naming of wild plants, plants modified by humans, why plant names change, their pronunciation and hints to help remember them, along with updated sections on trademarks and plant breeder's rights. The final section provides a detailed guide to resources useful to people using plant names. This fourth edition is based on the recently updated International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi, and Plants and the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. It makes this technical information readily understandable to a range of readers, including botanists, publishers, professional horticulturists, nursery workers, hobby gardeners and anyone interested in plant names.FEATURES Explains how to use plant names, including how to write, pronounce and remember them Provides a recommended format for plant labels that avoids confusion Provides an extensive resource list of books and websites to help with plant names

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Admired all over the world and loved by locals for its natural beauty, Sydney Harbour is enjoyed by thousands of people every day. But rarely do we look below the surface where, beneath all the hustle and bustle, lively communities go about their business. With underwater forests and gardens, hundreds of species of fish and thousands of invertebrates, Sydney is as colourful and diverse below the water as it is above!Underwater Sydney celebrates Sydney’s incredible harbour and coast through eclectic stories and stunning underwater photography. It also explores the challenges the harbour is facing today after more than 200 years of coastal development, and the role that marine science plays in maintaining the harbour’s health. Underwater Sydney will open your eyes to the rich marine life that makes the Sydney estuary and coast so special.Features Features engaging stories based on informative science and accompanied by colour photographs of diverse and charismatic marine life Offers an overview of the Sydney Harbour environment, including intertidal rocky shores, submerged sandstone reefs, sponge gardens, beaches and sandy bays, mangroves, and the interplay with the built environment Each chapter is introduced with an above-water photograph of a location to anchor the story, and includes a mini map of the locations where visitors can find a certain underwater community

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Raptors are popular and iconic birds, and are important ecologically, with some species listed as threatened. Yet they are among the most difficult birds to identify. This fully updated Third Edition of the popular and award-winning field guide Birds of Prey of Australia contains two sections: a field guide with distribution maps, detailed illustrations and information on identification; and a handbook which includes an overview of the current knowledge about raptors, including their biology, ecology and behaviour. An illustrated section on difficult-to-distinguish species pairs is also included, along with new photographs.Birds of Prey of Australia will appeal to a wide range of readers, including ornithologists, raptor biologists, birdwatchers, wildlife rescuers/carers, raptor rehabilitators, zookeepers, naturalists, bushwalkers, ecological consultants, fauna authorities, park rangers, state forestry personnel and students.Features Updated edition of this award-winning definitive field guide, with new and improved photos ‘Bible’ of raptor identification, providing current knowledge on the ecology and biology of these species Companion to the recently released Australian Birds of Prey in Flight, which aids identification of soaring raptors

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Mistletoes are an enigmatic group of plants. Lacking roots and depending on other plants for their livelihood, they have inspired a range of beliefs throughout the world. Some people regard them as being endowed with magical properties, others as destructive weeds that devalue native habitats, and still others as beautiful native plants that support wildlife.This Second Edition of Mistletoes of Southern Australia is the definitive authority on these intriguing native plants. With specially commissioned watercolours by artist Robyn Hulley and more than 130 colour photographs, it provides detailed species accounts for all 47 species found in the region. It is fully updated throughout, with new distribution maps and new sections on fire, climate change and mistletoes in urban areas. It also describes the ecology, life history and cultural significance of mistletoes, their distribution in Australia and around the world, and practical advice on their management.Features Allows identification of every mistletoe species occurring in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and the southern half of Western Australia New edition consolidates current knowledge about the natural history, distribution, biology, ecology and management of these plants in one convenient source Illustrated with beautiful paintings as well as photographs of mistletoes and the animals that depend on them

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Plants of the Victorian High Country allows walkers with little botanical knowledge to identify plants they are likely to encounter along the popular tracks of Victoria's High Country.This Second Edition has been revised and expanded to describe 133 plants from the montane, sub-alpine and alpine zones, categorising them into five easily distinguished groups: herbs, daisy herbs, low woody shrubs, tall shrubs and trees, and eucalypts. The guide features a glossary of botanical terms, straightforward identification keys, clear photos of the leaves, flowers and stems of the plant, and includes notes on Aboriginal plant usage.If you are a nature lover, planning to walk in the Victorian High Country, this book is an essential addition to your backpack.

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Although relatively little known, fungi provide the links between the various organisms and ecosystems that underpin our functioning planet. The Allure of Fungi presents fungi through multiple perspectives – those of mycologists and ecologists, foragers and forayers, naturalists and farmers, aesthetes and artists, philosophers and Traditional Owners. It explores how a history of entrenched fears and misconceptions about fungi has led to their near absence in Australian ecological consciousness and biodiversity conservation. Through the combination of engaging text and stunning photography, the author reflects on how aesthetic, sensate experience deepened by scientific knowledge offers the best chance for understanding fungi, the forest and human interactions with them. FEATURES: An interdisciplinary exploration of fungi, their role in nature and relationships with different cultures Engaging personal anecdotes take readers on a journey of discovery into the world of fungi and fungus enthusiasts Evocative text and stunning macrophotography are combined in an amalgam of history, science and art.

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The tawny frogmouth is one of Australia’s most intriguing and endearing birds. Written by award-winning author Gisela Kaplan, one of Australia’s leading authorities on animal behaviour and native birds, this second edition of Tawny Frogmouth presents an easy-to-read account of these unique nocturnal birds, which can be found across almost the entire continent. Fully revised and updated throughout, this book combines 20 years of systematic observation with published research and information from regional surveys, and represents the most comprehensive single study ever conducted on tawny frogmouths. We learn that tawny frogmouths are very affectionate, have close bonds with lifelong partners, scream like prowling tomcats when distressed, fight with lightning speed and defend nest sites from reptilian predators by mobbing and spraying pungent faeces at them. Uncompromising male fights are contrasted with the touching gentleness of males as fathers. We also learn how resilient and unusual tawny frogmouths are in the way they cope with heat and cold and scarcity of water, sit out danger, and use a large variety of food items.This fascinating book has wide appeal to bird lovers, amateur ornithologists and naturalists, as well as those with a scientific or professional interest in native birds, their communication, emotions and skills.Features A complete overview of one of Australia’s most intriguing birds Presents engaging behavioural anecdotes alongside scientific research Written by one of Australia’s leading animal behaviour researchers

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Australia has the third largest marine estate in the world, extending from the tropics to Antarctica and including vast areas of the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans. We have a good reputation for management of our marine estate but there is still much to understand about how our actions affect the oceans, including through climate change, fishing, resource extraction, shipping, and recreation and tourism. Our oceans are tremendous resources, culturally, socially and economically, and are repositories for incredible biodiversity. Oceans provide food and energy and influence weather and climate across the country. Indigenous Australians have had cultural and livelihood relationships with our oceans for thousands of years. Most Australians live within an hour’s drive of the coast and the seaside is a valued recreational destination, as it is for increasing numbers of international tourists. Australia’s oceans affect our every activity and managing them well is vital to our nation. Oceans: Science and Solutions for Australia summarises decades of scientific research by CSIRO and other agencies to describe what we know about our oceans, how research contributes to their use and management, and how new technologies are changing marine research. It provides engaging and accessible reading for all those interested in Australia’s magnificent marine estate.

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Rocky outcrops are landscape features with disproportionately high biodiversity values relative to their size. They support specialised plants and animals, and a wide variety of endemic species. To Indigenous Australians, they are sacred places and provide valuable resources. Despite their ecological and cultural importance, many rocky outcrops and associated biota are threatened by agricultural and recreational activities, forestry and mining operations, invasive weeds, altered fire regimes and climate change.Rocky Outcrops in Australia: Ecology, Conservation and Management contains chapters on why this habitat is important, the animals that live and depend on these formations, key threatening processes and how rocky outcrops can be managed to improve biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes, state forests and protected areas. This book will be an important reference for landholders, Landcare groups, naturalists interested in Australian wildlife and natural resource managers.

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Everywhere we go there are birds, and they all have mysteries to be unravelled. These mysteries include the way they look, from bizarre to apparently mundane, why they live where they live, and the things they do, many of which are far too incredible ever to be imagined as fiction.Birds in Their Habitats is a collection of stories and experiences, which introduce fascinating aspects of birdlife, ecology and behaviour. Informed by a wealth of historical and contemporary research, Ian Fraser takes the reader on a journey through four continents: from places as unfamiliar as the Chonos Archipelago of southern Chile and the arid Sahel woodlands of northern Cameroon to those as familiar as a suburban backyard. This is a book of discovery of birds and the places they live. And with humour and personal insight, it is a book about the sometimes strange world of the people who spend a life absorbed in birds.FEATURES: Engaging and entertaining text written by one of Australia’s best natural history writers. This ‘birding travelogue’ will take readers on a journey of discovery through the far-flung habitats and fascinating birds of the world. Contains an illustrated section with colour photographs showcasing the incredible diversity of bird species and their habitats.

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Australia’s nature is exceptional, wonderful and important. But much has been lost, and the ongoingexistence of many species now hangs by a thread. Against a relentless tide of threats to our biodiversity,many Australians, and government and non-government agencies, have devoted themselves to thechallenge of conserving and recovering plant and animal species that now need our help to survive. Thisdedication has been rewarded with some outstanding and inspiring successes: of extinctions averted, ofpopulations increasing, of communities actively involved in recovery efforts.Recovering Australian Threatened Species showcases successful conservation stories and identifiesapproaches and implementation methods that have been most effective in recovering threatened species.These diverse accounts – dealing with threatened plants, invertebrates, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals– show that the conservation of threatened species is achievable: that it can be done and should be done.They collectively serve to inform, guide and inspire other conservation efforts. This is a book of hope andinspiration. It shows that with dedication, knowledge and support, we can retain and restore our marvellous natural heritage, and gift to our descendants a world that is as diverse, healthy and beautiful as that which we have inherited. FEATURES: Foreword written by Gregory Andrews, Australia’s first Threatened Species Commissioner. Features inspiring Australian conservation success stories spanning a wide range of threatened species and habitats, demonstrating that recovery of threatened species is both achievable and worthwhile. Includes perspectives from expert conservation practitioners and draws lessons about what elements are important in achieving conservation successes.

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Comprehensive and practical information on all aspects of the goat meat industry.Goat meat is growing in popularity in Australia and is also an important export industry. It offers many opportunities for large- and small-scale farmers who need to diversify or seek alternative enterprises. Farming Meat Goats provides producers with comprehensive and practical information on all aspects of the goat meat industry. It covers selecting and preparing a property, choosing breeding stock, breeding, health care and nutrition, drought feeding, condition scoring and marketing.This second edition of Farming Meat Goats has been updated throughout and contains new information about the National Livestock Identification System, current regulations for ovine Johne's disease and animal welfare during transportation, and information about marketing. It will allow farmers to produce animals to specification for targeted markets in Australia and overseas including: butchers; supermarkets; restaurants; on-farm live sales; sales to abattoirs that specialise in Halal kills; and breeding stock either as replacements or for improved herd genetics.

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Emergency services personnel conduct their work in situations that are inherently dangerous. Large incidents such as bushfires, floods and earthquakes often pose hazards that are not fully understood at the time of management, and the situation may be further complicated by the involvement of multiple agencies. To promote the safety of personnel and of the broader community, incident management skills must be constantly developed.Incident Management in Australasia presents lessons learnt from managing major incidents at regional and state levels. It is not an academic work. Rather, it is a collection of stories from professionals on the ground and others who subsequently reviewed the events and gained significant knowledge and understanding through that process. Some stories are personal, capturing emotional impact and deep reflection, and others analytical, synthesising the findings of experience and inquests. All the stories relate to managing operational events and capture knowledge that no one person could gain in a single career.This book builds on current industry strategies to improve emergency responses. It will assist incident managers and those working at all levels of incident management teams, from Station Officer to Commissioner. It is highly readable and will also be of interest to members of the public with an appreciation for the emergency services.

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