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 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.