Australian Geographic

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Rat-free: Lord Howe's conservation triumph

PLUS, the fast-punching shrimp 🦐 👊

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Victoria spring mallee (Eucalyptus trivalva) – Larapinta Trail, NT
Image credit: Warren Field /Australian Geographic

In this newsletter: The incredible conservation success story of Lord Howe Island’s feral rat eradication program that saved its endemic species; a recent discovery on WA’s Rottnest Island has brought its history as the location of a brutal Aboriginal prison back into the spotlight; the shrimp with one of the fastest limbs of any animal – throwing punches at speeds of up to 80km/hr; and more.

Members of Aboriginal communities are warned this newsletter contains images and names of deceased people.

Candice Marshall
Digital Features Editor

NATURE & WILDLIFE

Freed from the rat race

Native wildlife has been thriving on Australia’s Lord Howe Island since it became the world’s largest inhabited island to eradicate feral rodents.

HISTORY

Unearthed remains bring dark past of holiday island into spotlight

The discovery of human bones on Western Australia’s Rottnest Island has brought fresh attention to the holiday destination’s brutal past.

SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT

Rare red pipefish sighting solves brooding mystery

A male red pipefish photographed carrying eggs on its trunk has finally resolved a question unanswered by scientists for decades.

STORE

The Classic Australian Cookbook

Rediscover the dishes that helped define Australia in The Classic Australian Cookbook – 2nd Edition. Packed with 75 beloved recipes, from BBQ prawns to the iconic pavlova, this refreshed collection celebrates the flavours, stories and traditions behind our most memorable meals. Featuring favourites from The Australian Women’s Weekly archives, it’s the perfect companion for everyday dinners, family gatherings and anyone who loves a taste of nostalgia.

SHOP NOW

IN THE CALENDAR

Mabo Day

Tomorrow (3 June) is Mabo Day, commemorating Mer Island man Eddie Koiki Mabo and his successful efforts to overturn the legal term of terra nullius, or ‘land belonging to no-one’.

LEARN MORE

IN THE NEWS

Government sues over PFAS

The Australian Government is suing manufacturing company 3M over PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foam. Look back at our feature article from last year explaining why PFAS is so detrimental to our our environment and our health.

DR KARL

Mass deaths from poisoned vultures

In his latest Need to Know column, Dr Karl explains how the decline of India’s vultures led to mass human deaths back in the 1990s.

CREATURA

‘Evolution went all out’ on the peacock mantis shrimp

“Some creatures get all the bells and whistles. And when I say ‘bells and whistles’, I mean modes of destruction,” writes Bec Crew in her latest Creatura column.

SPECIES HIGHLIGHT

Black-necked stork/jabiru

Black-necked storks – also known as jabirus – are actually two subspecies: Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus asiaticus (which occurs across India and Southeast Asia) and Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus australis (which is found in Australia and New Guinea). In Australia, these birds are often seen alone or in pairs in wetlands across the country’s north and east, foraging for prey in shallow waters.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

IN PICTURES: Tasmania’s Vale of Belvoir

In 2010, a posse of photographers descended on the stunning Vale of Belvoir to document the facets of what was then the latest jewel in Tasmania’s conservation crown.

SEE PHOTOS

AG SOCIETY

Keep the honey possum thriving in the wild

The honey possum (Tarsipes rostratus) is the beneficiary species of our bimonthly fundraising campaign through May and June.

One of Australia’s most extraordinary mammals, every part of the honey possum's biology is shaped by flowers, tying it intimately to the unique landscapes of its south-west WA home. But much of its habitat has already been cleared, and increasing threats from fire, invasive species and fragmentation are placing growing pressure on the ecosystems it relies on. When flowering plants disappear, so too does the honey possum’s food source, and its chance of survival. But there is hope. Bush Heritage Australia is restoring vital habitat corridors, reconnecting landscapes and bringing life back to degraded areas. Within just a few years, honey possums are returning to these restored sites, proof that recovery is possible when we act early. Read more.

This work is painstaking and long-term, and it depends on support. By donating today, you can help protect the honey possum while it is still common, before it becomes another species in crisis. Your contribution will support habitat restoration, conservation science and on-ground action.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

DONATE NOW

Australian Geographic acknowledges the First Nations people of Australia as traditional custodians, and pays its respect to Elders past and present, and their stories and journeys.

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Australian Geographic 52-54 Turner Street Redfern, New South Wales 2016

Rat-free: Lord Howe's conservation triumph

PLUS, the fast-punching shrimp 🦐 👊

Mabo Day

Government sues over PFAS

Recent emails from Australian Geographic