The heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast stretches more than 300 kilometres along Western Australia’s remote western shoreline and is a critical nesting ground for the endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). Among many natural predators of the species is the golden ghost crab (Ocypode convexa), which is having a staggering impact on turtle nests and hatchlings. 

Maritime law defines flotsam and jetsam as debris in the water, either unintentionally as the result of an accident (flotsam), or deliberately thrown overboard from a vessel in distress to lighten the load (jetsam). A lifelong love of the Houtman Abrolhos islands and marine areas near Geraldton led Pia Boschetti, who as a child was fascinated by the ‘treasures’ that washed up on the shore, to spearhead a movement that turns this marine debris into art.

Deep in the ancient forests of the Walpole Wilderness, in the far south-west of Australia, new mountain biking and hiking trails are capturing the imagination of trail users.  

Western Australia has a rich diversity of bird life, often associated with melodious songbirds such as the Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), splendid fairy-wren (Malurus splendens) and New Holland honeyeaters (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae), but there is another, sometimes overlooked dimension to our birdlife – our diverse and abundant waterbirds.  

The rugged reality of nature is tantalisingly close for those who work in the regions of the Parks and Wildlife Service. From conserving endangered flora to responding to bushfires, being immersed in community and working on Country is an experience unlike any other for participants in the Graduate Development Program.  

Imagine a frog so small it could sit comfortably on your thumbnail – newborns no bigger than a single Rice Bubble. Now picture that same fragile creature teetering on the brink of extinction, hidden in a muddy burrow deep in south-west Australia. 

It encompasses the Burrup Peninsula, the Dampier Archipelago, surrounding marine areas and the submerged landscape, and earlier this year Murujuga Cultural Landscape was inscribed on the World Heritage List.

In the vast, ancient landscapes of Western Australia’s Pilbara region, a new conservation model is taking root—one that’s built on respect, science and deep cultural connection. In its second year of operations, the Pilbara Conservation Project is redefining how Country is protected, bringing together Traditional Owners, government and industry in a shared mission to safeguard biodiversity and culture.  

Until recently, there were only two recognised subspecies of brushtail possums in Western Australia. Recent scientific research into genetic relationships between brushtail possum populations throughout Australia concluded there is indeed a third subspecies that calls WA home. 

The beauty and popularity of the Swan Canning Riverpark mask the challenges faced by this iconic symbol of Perth. The health of the rivers evokes passionate advocacy from scientists, conservationists, wildlife carers and ecologists who all came together to raise public awareness of the river system at the second annual River Guardians Festival.

After fleeing Czechoslovakia in the 1970s, Jiri and Marie Lochman sought refuge in Australia and were instantly enchanted by the fascinating landscape and its intriguing wildlife. After saving enough for a camera, their creative instincts took over and they forged a path for themselves as successful nature photographers. LANDSCOPE magazine has been lucky enough to feature their photos in almost every edition since 1985.

A rich landscape of rolling spinifex hills, spectacular escarpments and winding tree-lined watercourses makes up the remote 240,000-hectare Millstream Chichester National Park. Located 120 kilometres south of Karratha in WA’s north, the park is known for its lush oases of the Millstream wetlands and Fortescue River pools.

As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of LANDSCOPE magazine, we look back at a groundbreaking program that saw members of the public invited to join conservation scientists in the field to see and participate in hands-on research activities. LANDSCOPE Expeditions ran from 1992 to 2009 and traversed the State, laying the foundation for some major conservation programs that still exist today. 

Since the age of nine, Cliff Winfield has been capturing images of the natural world around him. With a keen eye and some amazing mentors, he has developed a good reputation in Western Australia’s nature photography community and his stunning images have featured in almost every edition of LANDSCOPE magazine since its inception in 1985. 

Dr Tony Tucker came from a generation of scientists that pioneered conservation research. Over time, his dedicated and thorough brand of science made him a leader and a mentor amongst his fellow scientists. Tony’s discoveries and contributions about freshwater crocodiles, freshwater turtles and marine turtles are globally recognised, and have driven positive conservation outcomes for freshwater and marine reptiles across the world. 

While fellow Proteaceae family members Grevillea and Banksia are well known and popular, the humble Hakea with its 180 species (and subspecies) holds its own as an impressive genus in this large family. 

Students from John Curtin College of the Arts visited Perth Zoo during SeaWeek. Jasmine Browning and her friends heard from scientists and zoologists about the issues affecting WA’s marine environment and wildlife. 

After discovering a talent for drawing at a young age, Philippa Nikulinsky has been enchanted by Western Australia’s native species and has spent a lifetime illustrating them along with her husband and fellow artist, Alex. Philippa’s artwork graced the covers of LANDSCOPE magazine for 22 years and earned her an Order of Australia medal.