The Galaxiids are a defining feature of Australia's freshwater fish fauna, particularly across the southern states. With almost 40 different species (and still counting), ranging from the "very" common jollytail (Galaxias maculatus) through to the extremely rare Yalmy galaxias. They range across coastal rivers, all...
When most people think of mistletoe, they imagine a parasitic plant with a bad reputation – at best, people think of them as just passively stealing water and nutrients from their host trees, like a freeloading relative who won’t move off your couch! But Australia’s native...
Australia’s wetlands are home to many remarkable species, but few capture the imagination quite like the Brolga (Grus rubicunda). Known for their graceful movements and elaborate courtship dances, these tall elegant birds with their striking red caps are an unforgettable sight. At NGT we have...
Australia's wetlands are home to a remarkable array of aquatic plants, many of which are uniquely adapted to thrive in diverse and challenging environments. Amongst the most common are the fascinating species included in the Cycnogeton genus – the water-ribbons. Formerly classified as Triglochin, water-ribbons...
The butterfly family Hesperiidae contains a large group of butterflies referred to as 'Skippers'. In the Green Triangle region of south-east South Australia and western Victoria we have many butterflies in this family, occurring from inland mallee and low rainfall sandy heathlands to the...
Ecologists, much like toddlers, are always asking 'but why?". The complexity of the natural world is fascinating and the questions are endless. Hence, I found myself driving through the Cobboboonee forest looking at the many the delightful Cherry Ballart trees (Exocarpus cupressiformus) and wondering why...
I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days at Lake Hattah over the June long weekend and it got me thinking about our view of the landscape and what it tells us. As ecologists, reading the landscape and interpreting what's going on is...
Sounds like a riddle perhaps? But no, the answer is kelp - specifically in this case, bull kelp. Bull kelp (Durvillaea potatorum) is relatively abundant off the southern coast of Australia and the evidence washes up along our coastline in clumps and strands after big...
This month our 'species of the month' is Carex iynx, which - to be honest - is not a plant that any of us knew too much about until very recently. Generally it is observed as an occasional occurrence in grasslands and moist woodlands in...
In the dark of night, they announce their arrival with the leathery snap of their wings. Their wings span up to one metre! If you startle them accidentally, visions of Dracula may briefly flit through your head as they wheel through the sky. It’s that time...
