Wildlife
In this category, we asked for photos showing animals in the environment in which they live – this environment could be natural or built, and the animal, either native or feral. The only rule was that the animal must not be captive and has claimed the habitat independently. This shortlist shows the beautiful variety of landscapes and animals we enjoy in Australia. These photos will be exhibited at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide (24 August – 11 November 2018 ) and the Australian Museum in Sydney (24 August to 27 January)
Wildlife
The Animal Behaviour category asked for photographs of animals engaging in natural activities. These photos will be exhibited at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide (24 August – 11 November 2018 ) and the Australian Museum in Sydney (24 August to 27 January)
Wildlife
A new study has revealed important insights into how male bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay communicate with their allies and enemies.
Wildlife
Having wild creatures visit our homes is a privilege. We feed them for our own sake, not for theirs. To attract birds and other wild creatures to your garden, plant vegetation native to your area, and, if you want to offer birds additional food, here are some practical guidelines you should follow.
Wildlife
Water striders are the most conspicuous element of the semi-aquatic bug fauna of Australia. Belonging to the family Gerridae, they are adapted to their life on the water surface due to their distinctly elongate mesothorax and long and slender middle and hind legs. This allows them to “skate” or “jump and slide” in a very characteristic way on the water surface and is aided by the hydrofuge or water shedding properties of the legs. One often first notices them because of a disturbance on the water surface or notices the “dimples” in the water surface created by the legs, or the shadow of those dimples on the bottom of the water body. Tenagogerris euphrosyne is a species common along the east coast from Cape York in Queensland to western Victoria, with this picture taken at a fresh water pool in Sydney Bushland. Here the male is riding on the female’s back in what is known as “mate guarding”: after mating the male remains with the female so that no other males can mate with her. It is a characteristic water strider behaviour and still allows them to move freely on the water surface. Depending on the time of the year, populations can consist of both winged and wingless adults as well as nymphs, with adult size of this species ranging from 7 to 10 mm body length. The winged forms are quite capable of flight and allow the species to locate another body of water if their present one dries up. Water striders are opportunistic predators and scavengers, preying on anything that falls to the water surface. The strong proboscis as seen in the picture allows them to pierce their prey and suck out the juices. Words by Tom Weir, Honorary Fellow, Australian National Insect Collection, CSIRO, Canberra For more images and information, visit http://photography.irwig.com/ and follow the ‘strider’ link.
Wildlife
From May to November each year, Sydney transforms into a whale watching hot spot, with vast numbers heading north to breed after a summer spent feeding in Antarctic waters.
Wildlife
Previously, falcons were classified with hawks and eagles as birds of prey, but new research suggests they’re closer to parrots.
Wildlife
The heaviest cockroach in the world, Australia’s giant burrowing cockroach has a lot of character: it gives birth to live young, hisses and builds intricate nests.