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.  

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. 

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.

While human impacts have changed the landscape in some parts of Western Australia, population numbers of the iconic pink and grey galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) seem to be benefitting from the changes.

Once thought to be extinct, this wiry entangled shrub certainly lives up to its name—tangle wattle (Acacia volubilis)—with volubilis, meaning twining, in reference to the twisted, tangled and twining habit of the plant. Scientists are taking a closer look at the species that is only found in a small area in the Wheatbelt. 

The incredible beauty of Western Australia’s natural areas has been captured in high resolution with more than 980 entries as part of the WA Parks Foundation’s Wild Wonders of Western Australia photo competition. 

In recent years, the ‘save the bees’ movement has gained remarkable traction, encouraging people to think beyond the European honey bee (Apis mellifera). Murdoch University PhD candidate Freya Jackson shines a light on the importance of native pollinators and their surprising underground habits. 

The beauty of Western Australia’s marine areas cannot be understated. The tropical waters in the north to the cool, clear waters of the south-west are bursting with biodiversity that draws visitors from around the world. Establishing how many people visit WA’s marine areas, as well as what activities these visitors get up to, requires a combination of people power and technological solutions. 

After taking up the hobby of nature photography during the COVID-19 pandemic, amateur birder Beverley Oliver braved the rugged roads near Cocklebiddy to participate in a unique photography course at the famous Eyre Bird Observatory.