Topics Archives

Wildlife

Coral spawning: a rare natural wonder

To catch the natural phenomenon of coral spawning, you need patience and just a little bit of luck.

Wildlife

GALLERY: the richly-coloured finches of Queensland

Queensland has the highest bird populations of any state, the most spectacular residing in the far north expanses of the Wet Tropics and Cape York. The state is also a haven for a diverse and richly coloured group of finches substantial enough that it’s home to the largest specialist bird club in Australia, the Queensland Finch Society, who are dedicated to rehabilitating the states iconic species. According to Gary Fitt, the current president of the society, “there are only three finch species in Australia that don’t occur in QLD, meaning 15 of the 18 species are in QLD.

Wildlife

The butterfly collection of John Landy to go on display

John Landy’s butterfly collection isn’t just valuable for the beautiful specimens it contains, but also for the insights the collection gives into the effects of climate change on Australian butterfly populations.

Wildlife

Robert Irwin on continuing his father’s legacy through his wildlife photography

Robert Irwin first demonstrated a propensity for photography at the age of six, back then wielding just a tiny point-and-shoot camera. But since entering his photography into various photo competitions, he’s become more professional and more determined. Here, he speaks to Australian Geographic about his passion for photography, and how he intends to communicate important lessons in conservation — those first pioneered by his parents, Steve and Terri.

Wildlife

Moving up in the Alps

Climate change is encouraging animals to move higher, and in the Australian Alps this is not welcome news.

Wildlife

GALLERY: the Blaschkas’ tiny glass sea anemones

Blaschka models were created in the 1800s by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka to replicate marine invertebrates, including the sea anemones pictured in this gallery. The idea of Blaschka models came about as a result of the difficulty in preserving real-life specimens, which could not be put on display or be used for educational purposes as traditional methods of preservation caused fading and distortion. Here, you can admire the handwork of the Blaschka family, who created a formidable business selling these delicate glass models to museums around the world. The Blaschka models are now on display in the 200 Treasures exhibition in the Australian Museum’s Westpac Long Gallery. You can read more about the history of these Blaschka models in the upcoming issue of Australian Geographic which hits stands on 2 November.