Threatened Wildlife Photographic Competition 2019 Entries
Voting period: July 1 to 30, 2019
The Australian Wildlife Society Threatened Wildlife Photographic Competition is a national competition that awards and promotes endangered Australian wildlife through the medium of photography.
Prizes
- Click the image for details on author and picture.
- You can vote for more than one photo.
- You can only vote once per photo
- To vote, click on the star icon on the lower left side of the photo.
Picture comments
Your comment:
Author:
Teneale Hayes
Title:
Grey-headed flying fox
Author:
Teneale Hayes
Title:
Grey-headed flying fox
Author:
Teneale Hayes
Title:
Grey-headed flying fox
Author:
Teneale Hayes
Title:
Grey-headed flying fox
Author:
Kate Barnard
Title:
Keita the Southern Cassowary
Description:
I work as a wildlife keeper in the wet tropics of Far North Qld, Kuranda. Cassowaries are native our region. Unfortunately they are also on the endangered list, roughly 4,000 left in the wild, due to the development of their habitat for housing & roads. Many being killed on the road yearly. Yet these majestic birds also play such an important role in the eco system & the survival of our Rainforests that FNQ, wet tropics is so famous for. Keita is our wildlife park Cassowary. He's the perfect role model & ambassador for his species. He helps educate tourist every day on the plight of his species.
Author:
Ethan Mann
Title:
Cooloola Sedge Frog (Litoria cooloolensis)
Description:
Cooloola Sedge Frogs (Litoria cooloolensis) are currently recognised as endangered by the IUCN Red List, facing a range of threats from residential and commercial development, to water pollution and invasive species. They inhabit the fragile acidic wallum environments of Cooloola. This individual was photographed at one of the small stronghold populations in the perched lakes of Great Sandy National Park. During their summer breeding season, I ventured into the National Park with my dad in hopes of finding and photographing this species.
Author:
Nick Bradsworth
Title:
Forest Red-tailed Black cockatoo
Description:
The Red-tailed black cockatoo is nationally listed as secure, however the race endemic to south-west Western Australia (Forest Red-tailed Black cockatoo) is vulnerable. We heard her and her mate making their unmistakable wailing call in flight at Ellis Brook Valley Reserve. Lucky for me, this female perched and I was able to take a couple of photos. Her yellow spots and markings are absolutely beautiful and I was very happy to leave Western Australia with a photo to remember the experience by.
Author:
Nick Bradsworth
Title:
Adult powerful owl
Description:
The powerful owl is listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 in Victoria. I have been studying urban powerful owl spatial ecology in Melbourne for my PhD at Deakin University, however this sighting in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria was a real surprise! I spotted this owl sitting in a beautiful big Mountain Ash tree at the front of my parent’s house, and he/she stayed around long enough for me to setup my camera and take a photo. This photo is an excellent example of why old-growth trees are so important for protection on private land, because these owls and many other species rely on them for their survival.
Author:
Nick Bradsworth
Title:
Powerful owl chicks
Description:
The powerful owl is listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 in Victoria. We have been monitoring the breeding success of powerful owls around Melbourne for Deakin University research. These cute chicks in Warrandyte, Victoria are a success story! Powerful owl adults are heavily invested in their young, unfortunately in the previous year, they raised two chicks which perished shortly after for unknown reasons. It was fantastic to see two more chicks added to the threatened population of powerful owls, and I wanted to photograph them to increase awareness of their status.
Author:
Nick Bradsworth
Title:
Quokka
Description:
The quokka is listed in both Western Australia and at Federal level as vulnerable. The populations of these cute, curious mammals on Rottnest Island have bounced back to 12,000 after protection, and predator control. However, populations on the mainland continue to decline because of habitat loss and predation by foxes and feral cats. Everyone on Rottnest Island was wanting to take a “quokka selfie” however I wanted to photograph the quokkas without disturbance, as they are, in their natural habitat.
Author:
Rebecca Harrison
Title:
Carnaby Cockatoos
Description:
These are of Carnaby Cockatoos, endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. Their population has declined 50% in the past 45 years and they are listed as endangered. I photographed a large flock of these near a pine plantation - there must have been up to 100. They were feeding on seed pods and pine cones - even chasing each other for one. I photographed them because bird photography is a passion of mine as are the different species of the black cockatoos.
Author:
Rebecca Harrison
Title:
Carnaby Cockatoos
Description:
These are of Carnaby Cockatoos, endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. Their population has declined 50% in the past 45 years and they are listed as endangered. I photographed a large flock of these near a pine plantation - there must have been up to 100. They were feeding on seed pods and pine cones - even chasing each other for one. I photographed them because bird photography is a passion of mine as are the different species of the black cockatoos.
Author:
Rebecca Harrison
Title:
Carnaby Cockatoos
Description:
These are of Carnaby Cockatoos, endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. Their population has declined 50% in the past 45 years and they are listed as endangered. I photographed a large flock of these near a pine plantation - there must have been up to 100. They were feeding on seed pods and pine cones - even chasing each other for one. I photographed them because bird photography is a passion of mine as are the different species of the black cockatoos.
Author:
Rebecca Harrison
Title:
Carnaby Cockatoos
Description:
These are of Carnaby Cockatoos, endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. Their population has declined 50% in the past 45 years and they are listed as endangered. I photographed a large flock of these near a pine plantation - there must have been up to 100. They were feeding on seed pods and pine cones - even chasing each other for one. I photographed them because bird photography is a passion of mine as are the different species of the black cockatoos.
Author:
Rebecca Harrison
Title:
Carnaby Cockatoos
Description:
These are of Carnaby Cockatoos, endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. Their population has declined 50% in the past 45 years and they are listed as endangered. I photographed a large flock of these near a pine plantation - there must have been up to 100. They were feeding on seed pods and pine cones - even chasing each other for one. I photographed them because bird photography is a passion of mine as are the different species of the black cockatoos.
Author:
Nick Bradsworth
Title:
Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo
Description:
The Carnaby’s Black-cockatoo is listed as endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation, which also reduces available food resources. I photographed this young male with his family in Dryandra Woodland, Western Australia eating pine cone seeds. These cockatoos can be viewed by farmers as a “pest” for damage caused to food crops like almonds as the birds have had to change their diet. I wanted to take this photo to raise awareness about the plight of the cockatoo and how they have had to adjust their behaviour.
Author:
Marcia Riederer
Title:
Tasmanian devil
Description:
The Tasmanian devil is the largest of the world’s carnivorous marsupials. This solitary species has evolved into a effective scavenger, with powerful jaws capable of crunching and consuming bones efficiently. An opportunistic hunter, devils will eat anything from insects, amphibians and reptiles through to possum, wallaby and wombat. The species finds suitable habitat throughout Tasmania’s landscape, from the alpine mountainous areas through to the coastal environments surrounding the island and everywhere in between. Since the late 1990s, the devil facial tumour disease has reduced its population, which in 2008 was declared to be endangered. During my visit to a devils sanctuary, in Cradle Mountain, where they breed the Devils to recolonise insurance populations through the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, I couldn't resist to the captivating group of juveniles. When I photograph a threatened species, my objective is always to raise awareness and hopefully influence changes in
Author:
Judy Leitch
Title:
Spectacled Flying-fox pups
Description:
I am vaccinated for lyssavirus and registered with Bats Queensland. Thus, I was able to photograph these Spectacled Flying-fox pups when they came into crèche. An extreme heat event in Cairns late 2018, where over 20,000 Spectacled Flying-foxes perished, meant carers in Cairns were overwhelmed with the numbers of Spectacled Flying-foxes requiring care. A decision was made to send some south and Leanne Robertson, a licensed carer, contacted me when these pups came into her care in Logan, south of Brisbane. After years of delay, the Environment Minister finally listed the Spectacled Flying-fox as Endangered. As such, they can no longer be transported away from their natural habitat and it will not be possible to photograph Spectacled Flying-foxes in SE Queensland. I am extremely grateful to have been able to photograph this species using a macro lens.
Author:
Jeff Ikin
Title:
Koala
Description:
Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are listed as a vulnerable species – having been recognized as susceptible to multiple threats with a decreasing population through Australia. This wild koala was found on the shoulder of a road on North Stradbroke Island (Queensland). The local community is proud of the diverse and abundant wildlife on the island, however habitat fragmentation and the development of roads has increased the risk of wildlife collisions. Koalas searching for food, shelter and mates are especially vulnerable. By capturing this moment, it is apparent just how out-of-place the koala is on the road. By informing people of the threats facing koalas such as vehicle collisions, we may be able to reduce the number of incidents and help support the recovery of koala populations across Australia.
Author:
Jeff Ikin
Title:
Koala
Description:
Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are listed as a vulnerable species – having been recognized as susceptible to multiple threats with a decreasing population through Australia. This wild koala was found on the shoulder of a road on North Stradbroke Island (Queensland). The local community is proud of the diverse and abundant wildlife on the island, however habitat fragmentation and the development of roads has increased the risk of wildlife collisions. Koalas searching for food, shelter and mates are especially vulnerable. By capturing this moment, it is apparent just how out-of-place the koala is on the road. By informing people of the threats facing koalas such as vehicle collisions, we may be able to reduce the number of incidents and help support the recovery of koala populations across Australia.
Author:
Jeff Ikin
Title:
Green Turtle
Description:
Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are listed as a vulnerable species – having been recognized as susceptible to multiple threats with a decreasing population globally. On Heron Island (Queensland), this nesting mother was found returning to the shoreline in the early hours of the morning. During the night, she had made the gruelling journey up the beach and into the vegetation to excavate a nest and lay eggs. As graceful as these turtles are in the water, this journey on land can be a cumbersome and exhausting task. After a few short breaks on the way back to the ocean, she happily made it back to the water before the heat of the day set in. Capturing this unique moment of the nesting mother returning to the ocean has really allowed me to appreciate the struggles that Green turtles must overcome to ensure that future generations can come to be.
Author:
Dave Catley
Title:
Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos
Description:
This image was taken at Yanchep National Park in Perth, Western Australia where we are lucky to have a large (relatively speaking) colony of these endangered Cockatoos. The Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos are endangered for many reasons but mostly due to the increasing urban sprawl decimating their breeding & feeding grounds. Although quite large these Cockatoos are extremely gentle in nature with amazing individual personalities and are simply beautiful birds to be around. I have been lucky enough to photograph some of these birds up close at local wildlife rescue centres and would love to contribute towards their protection and ongoing survival as a species. We are lucky to have organisations here in Perth like “Native Animal Rescue” & “Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre” who are doing an amazing job of rescuing & protecting these gorgeous creatures.
Author:
Chris Walker
Title:
Eastern curlew
Description:
The Eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), Australia’s largest migratory shorebird, was listed as critically endangered by the Australian Government in 2016 after research showed that this species’ global population had declined 80% over the past 30 years. The Moreton Bay Ramsar site contains important Eastern curlew feeding areas such as tidal mudflats near Toondah Harbour on Brisbane’s bayside. Despite being in a Ramsar site, this vital feeding area is threatened by a proposed coastal development project supported by the Queensland Government and Redland City Council. Eastern curlews are nervous of humans, normally flying away if people approach within 50-250 metres. This photo was taken at the Oyster Point high tide roost near Toondah Harbour where shorebirds often wade towards the land (and careful bird photographers) as the tide rises. The photo was taken in early March, a few weeks before the eastern curlews departed for their northern hemisphere breeding grounds.
Author:
Rebecca Harrison
Title:
Fairy Terns
Description:
These are Fairy Terns - listed as vulnerable in their conservation status. They breed every year at a sanctuary at Rous Head in Fremantle and used to also at Woodman Point, but unfortunately due to high human traffic in the area they have stopped doing this. You can occasionally see them there, which is where I took these two photographs. They were huddling with a pod of Crested Terns. I photographed them because I enjoy watching their behavior - preening and bathing.
Author:
Rebecca Harrison
Title:
Fairy Terns
Description:
These are Fairy Terns - listed as vulnerable in their conservation status. They breed every year at a sanctuary at Rous Head in Fremantle and used to also at Woodman Point, but unfortunately due to high human traffic in the area they have stopped doing this. You can occasionally see them there, which is where I took these two photographs. They were huddling with a pod of Crested Terns. I photographed them because I enjoy watching their behavior - preening and bathing.
Author:
Kit Prendergast
Title:
The Southern Corroboree Frog, a Flagship for Frog Conservation
Description:
The Southern Corroboree Frog is one of Australia's most threatened amphibians, and is restricted to a small population in Koziosko. It has drastically declined and is threatened by climate change, fire and habitat disturbance, feral animals, and chytrid fungus, and is listed as Critically Endangered. Yet there is hope! Taronga Zoo has been pivotal in research and captive breeding. I took this photo of one of the frogs in captivity, which represents a safeguard for this species. This tiny creature, looking out of its enclosure, to me represented that hope that one day, its kind will be free from threatening processes.
Author:
Kit Prendergast
Title:
Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)
Description:
The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is Australia's - if not the world's - most unique, iconic animal. Unfortunately this only member of the family Ornithorhynchidae is threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and fishing. It is listed as 'Near Threatened', but this legal status underestimates the true threat it faces. This photo was taken at Taronga Zoo, where this individual can swim without facing the threats its wild counterparts face. These elusive creatures are seldom seen, so it was a privilege to see this fascinating species from this underwater angle.
Author:
Shana Ahmed
Title:
Hooded Plover (Thinornis rubricollis)
Description:
Hooded Plover (Thinornis rubricollis) adult and juvenile photographed at Hanson Bay in southwest Kangaroo Island, South Australia. These charming little birds are some of my favourite to watch on the beach and these were just two of the eight plovers I saw scurrying around together: six adults and two juveniles. I had never seen so many hooded plovers together in one spot so I was excited to capture them particularly the adult-young interactions. There is thought to be approximately 200 of these birds left on Kangaroo Island and as their population is classified as vulnerable and decreasing it was particularly great to see such healthy young ones exploring the beach.
Author:
Shana Ahmed
Title:
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Description:
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) photographed in southwest Kangaroo Island, South Australia. The plight of this Australian icon is a complicated story. Classified as vulnerable in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria this female photographed in South Australia is a member of the growing Kangaroo Island population thought to be up to 50,000 individuals. Closer inspection of the photo reveals this female has a blue ear tag in her right ear, an indication she has been given a hormone implant, the latest effort by National Parks to stem the growth of the island’s koala population which is considered overpopulated and too great for the local eucalyptus trees to support. This curious little female looked so beautiful against the autumnal backdrop and posed so perfectly I couldn’t resist snapping many photos of her. She shows us that management of our vulnerable species is never as black and white as it seems.
Author:
Thomas Hennessy
Title:
Squirrel Glider
Description:
The Squirrel Glider is classified endangered/threatened throughout its range in Victoria, excessive land-clearing and habitat alteration have seen many populations disappear or become fragmented. Strathallan Family Landcare and its partner Strathallan Glider Sanctuary monitor the populations along the Campaspe River from Rochester to Echuca and we've placed over 350 nest boxes to accommodate the gliders who dwell there. This photograph is of a young male at Strathallan Glider Sanctuary at feeding time the animals are remarkably inquisitive and will come quite close to you, I took this photograph as the animal was positioned brilliantly on the branch staring down at me. My organisation makes frequent posts or uploads photos to engage the wider community and an excellent photo of this threatened species gets a lot of interest on social media. The aim of our project is to ultimately release some of our captive-bred animals back into the wild.
Author:
Stanislaw Wawrzyczek
Title:
Grevillea celata
Description:
Grevillea celata (Nowa Nowa Grevillea) is a narrowly endemic species only known from Colquhoun State Forest near Bruthen in East Gippsland. It is listed as vulnerable under Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (source: Flora of Victoria). This is one of the photographs of the species taken in spring 2018 during an excursion of the Botany and Plant Ecology Society of La Trobe University. A photo of the plant was required for a scientific paper currently in preparation.
Author:
Judy Leitch
Title:
Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo
Description:
Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos have suffered from the destruction and fragmentation of their preferred habitat and are listed as Endangered. Less than 5 years ago I saw my first Carnaby’s Black Cockatoos. I vividly recall the flock feeding beside the road in a swathed canola crop. Their calls as they flew off, were mesmerising. I have, ever since, loved to hear that sound when I visit Western Australia. This particular visit last year was a guided tour near Stockyard Caves, with little time to wait for the right opportunity or place for photography. Fortunately a few birds flew close beside me just as the bus was ready to depart! We saw many of their feeding areas being cleared for development and my soul aches for all the habitat loss and the possible demise of these beautiful birds.
Author:
Judy Leitch
Title:
Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale
Description:
The Conservation Management Plan for the Blue Whale (a Recovery Plan under the EPBC Act 1999), notes several threats for the Blue Whale. These are Whaling, Climate Variability and Change, Noise Interference and Vessel Disturbance. It thus recommended an Endangered status. I had read that Blue Whales frequent the Perth Canyon in the autumn to feed on Krill which abounds there at that time of the year. I booked a day trip on a Whale watching vessel in the hope of seeing the largest mammal in the world in Australian waters. I was not disappointed. We had wonderful views for 2 hours of a young male Blue Whale. This whale kept moving closer and closer to the boat with each dive. Finally, the Blue Whale took the whole width of the prime lens viewfinder!
Author:
Judy Leitch
Title:
Leadbeater’s Possum
Description:
I had wished for many years to see a Leadbeater’s Possum. I knew of its EPBC listing, and how hard they were to find. Last April I was invited on an excursion to the Central Highlands where I was thrilled to see a Leadbeater’s Possum. I was also extremely fortunate to photograph our sighting. It is estimated only 1500 remain. Leadbeater’s Possum have very specific habitat requirements, which is the old-growth Mountain Ash forest in the Central Highlands of Victoria. Unfortunately, much of this forest was lost in the 2009 bushfires and the population came under severe stress. It is estimated 43-45% of their habitat perished at that time. However the continued logging of the magnificent forests of Victoria’s Central Highlands, which are home to the critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum, remains a central threatening process.
Author:
Jesse Campbell
Title:
Broad-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides)
Description:
Broad-headed Snakes are listed as endangered and are found in the sandstone habitats of south-eastern New South Wales. The photographed individual above was found on a humid night in Heathcote, NSW. I had just got my new camera, a Nikon D7100, and was very keen to find some nocturnal reptiles to test it out on. I found this Broad-headed Snake posing perfectly and spent lots of time taking photos of it. Not only did I get to put the new camera to use that night but I also found one of my favourite species!
Author:
Jesse Campbell
Title:
Broad-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides)
Description:
Broad-headed Snakes are listed as endangered and are found in the sandstone habitats of south-eastern New South Wales. The photographed individual above was found on a humid night in Heathcote, NSW. I had just got my new camera, a Nikon D7100, and was very keen to find some nocturnal reptiles to test it out on. I found this Broad-headed Snake posing perfectly and spent lots of time taking photos of it. Not only did I get to put the new camera to use that night but I also found one of my favourite species!
Author:
Jesse Campbell
Title:
Broad-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides)
Description:
Broad-headed Snakes are listed as endangered and are found in the sandstone habitats of south-eastern New South Wales. The photographed individual above was found on a humid night in Heathcote, NSW. I had just got my new camera, a Nikon D7100, and was very keen to find some nocturnal reptiles to test it out on. I found this Broad-headed Snake posing perfectly and spent lots of time taking photos of it. Not only did I get to put the new camera to use that night but I also found one of my favourite species!
Author:
Jayden Gunn
Title:
Black falcon - Falco subniger
Author:
Thomas Hennessy
Title:
Green and Golden Bell Frog
Description:
Green and Golden Bell Frogs are under significant threat in the wild and are listed as 'vulnerable' and a decreasing population trend has been identified. The leading cause of this is believed to be habitat loss, disease and predation by invasive species like the eastern Mosquitofish all this has combined in one way or another to cause the species population to decrease by at least 30% in the last 10 years. I acquired them (under a permit) as another endangered species I have a desire to breed privately in captivity. This photo was taken at my property in Montrose, Victoria where they are kept in a suitable enclosure. The reason for taking this was the frog was displaying a nice colour (they can change from brown to dark and light green) and was in an ideal position for a photograph to be taken.
Author:
Chris Bray
Title:
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Description:
Critically Endangered, photographed in Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia. Great to have a chance to photograph this turtle as it passed over some contrasting sand while snorkelling.
Author:
Chris Bray
Title:
Coconut Crab
Description:
data deficient but various countries have identified it as an endangered species, and it has been hunted to extinction on most tropical islands around the world - photographed on Christmas Island, Australia. Their colours and size are amazing, the largest land-living invertebrate! This one was extra colourful so I took a photo.
Author:
Chris Bray
Title:
Abbott’s Booby
Description:
photographed on Christmas Island, Australia. These amazing birds, the largest and oldest of the boobys, only nests on Christmas island at the top of the tallest trees. This bird was being rehabilitated by Parks.
Author:
Lynne Griffiths
Title:
Tasmanian Devil
Description:
this is my photo of a be a Tassie Devil, I took it last last year at Dreamworld on the gold coast. My daughter and I loved seeing them. As they are now endangered. Unfortunately this has occurred over many years from a number of factors, one being the Devil Facial Tumour Disease which has drastically reduced the devil population and now threatens the survival of the species, which is sad to see another beautiful Australian animal on the endangered list.
Author:
Lynne Griffiths
Title:
Koala
Description:
I love this photo, I took it a few months in Jan 2019, while walking though our local park in Cleveland, qld. We often see koalas in and around the park. Although it is getting harder to spot them as there numbers have dropped over the years. It's sad to think they are now threatened and are heading to be endangered. I love this photo of his claws as it shows thier strength and amazing claws that help them climb and stay in the trees safely
Author:
Lynne Griffiths
Title:
Alpine Dingo
Description:
This is Seff, a beautiful Alpine Dingo, who lives at a wildlife sanctuary on the gold coast, qld. I took this photo while we where waiting for a dingo experience, where you can help raise much needed funds for the dingos, who are currently classed as Vulnerable in the threatening part of the endangered scale. They are such beautiful Australian animals.
Author:
Gary Dunnett
Title:
Swift Parrot
Description:
Swift Parrots breed in coastal forests in Tasmania then head over Bass Strait each autumn to spend the winter roaming Victoria, NSW and Queensland in search of densely flowering eucalypts. Their rarity and wide-ranging ways make any sighting of Swift Parrots a special encounter. All the more remarkable then that for the last 2 winters Swift Parrots has arrived in the Mount Annan Botanic Gardens in western Sydney. This year a flock of more than a hundred, as much as 5% of the total population, arrived at Mount Annan in early May and was still there 2 months later. I visited the parrots a few times, including a day following them between feeding on blossums in the morning to gleaning lerps off foliage in the afternoon- the subject of this image. A highlight of the day was a group of a dozen coming down to the edge of a small dam to drink.
Author:
Gary Dunnett
Title:
Scarlet Robin
Description:
The Scarlet Robin is one of a group of woodland birds that have been declared as threatened in NSW. The last time I saw plentiful Scarlet Robins was in the Warrumbungles, where I watched a dozen feeding amongst a dispersed stand of wattles. Around Sydney they are barely hanging on my their tiny toes. I spent much of 2018 doing fieldwork in remnant woodland across the Cumberland Plain, yet the only time I saw Scarlet Robins was at the Mount Annan Botanic Gardens. The gardens have some wonderful patches of woodland, and over a few months a pair of Scarlet Robins successfully raised at least one brood of chicks. This male is showing off his splendid breeding plumage. Scarlet Robins tend to perch in tangled vegetation, so I was particularly pleased to capture him against a relatively clear background.
Author:
Gary Dunnett
Title:
Grey headed Flying Fox
Description:
The colony of Grey headed Flying Fox in Centennial Park’s Lachlan Swamp is one of the largest in Sydney. I’d positioned myself along-side one of the park’s ponds, knowing that a least some of the bats would stop for a drink before heading off in search of blossom and fruit. Sure enough, one after another they’d skim over the water, dunk their chests then bounce back into the air to lick the water off the soggy fur. Great action, but all a bit distant and dark for useable photographs with my 500mm lens. I decided to work with the conditions, brought the sputter speed down to a 25th of a second and panned with the motion as the bats flew overhead. Most of the images were a blurry mess but this one captured something of the feel of flying silhouettes disappearing into the deepening gloom.
Author:
Emily Scicluna
Title:
fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata)
Description:
The fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) is a member of the family Dasyuridae meaning it is a carnivorous marsupial, and although it is currently classified as Near threatened (Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria) rather than Endangered, this species has experienced extreme population decline due to the predation of invasive predators. This species is the subject of my PhD research, and I believe they are in a lot more danger than is currently recognised due to my survey efforts showing worrying evidence of population crash. This photograph was taken upon the relocation of captive-bred animals from La Trobe University (AEC18056, DELWP10008231) to Woodleigh Sanctuary (DELWP10008876), in an attempt to establish an insurance population for the species.
Author:
Eloise-Mae Varga
Title:
Carnaby
Description:
Carnaby's Black Cockatoos are Endangered in the South West region of WA I was in Albany Goode Beach area where I saw the 3 Carnaby's eating of from a banksia bush. I was just in the area driving on the rd when I came a cross the 3 birds so I stopped and took a photo of them. The Carnaby that's on the bottom is a female, top right is a female and the top left is a male.
Author:
Eloise-Mae Varga
Title:
Banksia brownii
Description:
Banksia brownii commonly known as the Feather-leaved Banksia is an Endangered species in the Albany region of WA. I was in the northern part of Albany going for a bush walk and a came a cross this Banksia so I took a photo of it. I know that they only grow in and between Albany and the Stirling Rangers region so I thought that it would be worth the photo.
Author:
Wesley Read
Title:
Monaro Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis osbornei)
Description:
The Monaro Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis osbornei) is a recently described, cryptic species of agamid found only within the Monaro Plains area. This photograph was taken whilst conducting distribution surveys in an attempt to obtain a better idea of its distribution to inform future conservation efforts.
Author:
Tim Henderson
Title:
Swift Parrot
Description:
This critically endangered Swift Parrot was photographed at Lake Macquarie in May, amongst a flock of about 150. I am an amateur bird photographer and this was my first time seeing them, so I was hoping to get a good phot of these beautiful birds. I was fortunate enough to see these Swift Parrots on multiple occasions, and was able to share the experience with my family.
Author:
Shaun Welsh
Title:
Western Whip-bird
Description:
The Bristle-bird ,Noisy Scrub -bird and Western Whip-bird are known on the South Coast of WA as the three skulkers. Their status is Endangered, due to loss of habitat and also being birds which tend to stay low in undergrowth and coastal heath are vulnerable to attack from feral cats and foxes. These birds are all restricted to a strip of coastline from Two Peoples bay to Cape Riche. I have been photographing birds on the South Coast and surrounds for about 10 years and love the challenge of finding something new.
Author:
Shaun Welsh
Title:
Noisy Scrub-bird
Description:
The Bristle-bird ,Noisy Scrub -bird and Western Whip-bird are known on the South Coast of WA as the three skulkers. Their status is Endangered, due to loss of habitat and also being birds which tend to stay low in undergrowth and coastal heath are vulnerable to attack from feral cats and foxes. These birds are all restricted to a strip of coastline from Two Peoples bay to Cape Riche. I have been photographing birds on the South Coast and surrounds for about 10 years and love the challenge of finding something new.
Author:
Shaun Welsh
Title:
Bristle-bird
Description:
The Bristle-bird ,Noisy Scrub -bird and Western Whip-bird are known on the South Coast of WA as the three skulkers. Their status is Endangered, due to loss of habitat and also being birds which tend to stay low in undergrowth and coastal heath are vulnerable to attack from feral cats and foxes. These birds are all restricted to a strip of coastline from Two Peoples bay to Cape Riche. I have been photographing birds on the South Coast and surrounds for about 10 years and love the challenge of finding something new.
Author:
Robert McLean
Title:
Numbats
Description:
Numbats are listed as endangered and are one of Australia’s most endearing marsupials. Here a group of young seek out the sunshine at the entrance to their burrow in Perup Nature reserve in Western Australia. Photos of numbats help raise awareness of the plight of this species and they are definitely my favourite subject
Author:
Robert McLean
Title:
Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso)
Description:
The Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) is listed as vulnerable and is native to Southwestern Australia. The main threat to this species is habitat loss from land clearing for both logging and the continual urban sprawl, more needs to be done to ensure this species thrives into the future. This unusual but naturally occurring colour mutation was photographed in Bunbury WA where it is member of the local flock.
Author:
Rebecca Van Dyk
Title:
Curlew Sandpiper
Description:
The Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris Ferruginea) is a common summer migrant to all Australian states and is Critically Endangered in Australia. The decline in numbers is due to industrial development and human disturbance, reduction in water flows, groundwater pollution, weed invasion, erosion and climate change. On the 2nd of October 2018 I visited the “Sheet of Water” a shallow inland lake close to our home at Lake Cargelligo in central New South Wales. I set out to photograph any new birds - to contribute to the documental record of every bird sighted in our local area. Along the edge of the lake one small bird caught my attention. Crawling across the mud slowly and then lying on my stomach, I photographed the small mysterious wader. Relaxed and appearing unaware of my presence, it foraged on the shallow edge only stopping for a brief but satisfying stretch
Author:
Kit Prendergast
Title:
Thyreus waroonensis
Description:
Thyreus waroonensis is a native bee, whose lifestyle is both macabre and fascinating. Thyreus are kleptoparasitic bees, commonly known as cuckoo bees, and the females eschew all parental duties, instead laying their eggs in the nests of their hosts (Amegilla species, commonly known as Blue-banded Bees). When the Thyreus eggs hatch the larva eat the provisions and offspring of the host. Their kleptoparasitic lifestyle makes these bees very vulnerable because they are entirely dependent on a healthy population of their hosts, which are in turn dependent on abundant flowers and ample nesting sites. I was fortunate enough to photograph this species in remnant bushland in Cannington, Western Australia. This underscores how important patches of native vegetation are around cities.
Author:
Jayden Gunn
Title:
Hooded robin - Melanodryas cucullata
Author:
Jayden Gunn
Title:
Hooded robin - Melanodryas cucullata
Author:
Jayden Gunn
Title:
Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorynchus lathami lathami)
Description:
Conimbla National Park
Author:
Jayden Gunn
Title:
Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorynchus lathami lathami)
Description:
Conimbla National Park
Author:
Jayden Gunn
Title:
Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorynchus lathami lathami)
Description:
Conimbla National Park
Author:
Jayden Gunn
Title:
Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorynchus lathami lathami)
Description:
Conimbla National Park
Author:
Yasemin Maxwell
Title:
Brush Tailed Phascogale
Description:
My photo is of a Brush Tailed Phascogale which was taken on Christmas Day 2018 after he'd found his way into our house and we managed to release him out an open door. This is him on our back decking and making a run for freedom! The Brush Tailed Phascogale's status is 'vulnerable' so we are very lucky to have them around here in the Bend of Islands in Victoria, however we never expected to have one in our house!!
Author:
Jannico Kelk
Title:
Western Quoll (Dasyurus geofforii)
Description:
The Western Quoll or Chuditch (Dasyurus geofforii) is considered to be vulnerable to extinction according to the EPBC. The chuditch once inhabited over 70% of the continent. However, following European settlement altered fire regimes, land clearing and feral predators caused the chuditch to decline significantly. Currently, the chuditch occupies 2% of its former range. In 2018, after years of research, the dedicated team at Arid Recovery, located in Roxby Downs reintroduced 12 quolls into their feral free nature reserve. Soon after their reintroduction five female chuditch’s produced 30 babies. During Arid Recovery’s intense 2019 chuditch monitoring, I was lucky enough to photograph several individuals using motion activated cameras for an upcoming photo-story documenting the quolls of Australia.
Author:
Jannico Kelk
Title:
Western Quoll (Dasyurus geofforii)
Description:
After several years of research and trials, the western quoll (Dasyurus geofforii), which are listed nationally as vulnerable was officially reintroduced to Arid Recovery located in the deserts of Roxby Downs, South Australia. After reintroduction, they quickly bred producing another 30 quolls. In May 2019, during Arid Recovery’s intense quoll monitoring, this image was taken using motion activated cameras as part of a photo series displaying Australia’s threatened predators and the people working to conserve them.
Author:
Jannico Kelk
Title:
Western Quoll (Dasyurus geofforii)
Description:
The last few years have been huge for the federally vulnerable western quoll (Dasyurus geofforii). Before European settlement western quolls lived across 70% of the Australian continent, but now survive in less than 2% of that. In 2018, twelve western quolls were reintroduced to Arid Recovery’s feral free nature reserve located in Roxby Downs, South Australia. The quolls made their new homes in the deep complex warrens made by burrowing bettongs (Bettongia leusuer). During Arid Recovery’s intense 2019 quoll monitoring I placed a number of motion activated cameras in front of active burrows. With a lot of planning and bit of luck I was able to photograph several quolls leaving their burrows and foraging in the desert night.
Author:
Jannico Kelk
Title:
Eastern Quoll (Dasyurus viverrrinus)
Description:
Until recently, the federally endangered eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrrinus) was considered extinct from mainland Australia. Rewilding Australia is an organsation aiming to restore eastern quolls to mainland Australia at Booderee National Park in the ACT. Over the last two years 60 quolls have been released in the national park. I was lucky enough to participate during the post release monitoring. A number of quolls were radio tracked daily. This particular quoll ANU3490, otherwise known as Noodles, was released in 2019 and quickly found two hollows that he alternated between. Using motion activated cameras I was able to photograph Noodles leaving his hollow to go foraging.
Author:
Jannico Kelk
Title:
Eastern Quoll (Dasyurus viverrrinus)
Description:
Bruny Island is known as the last strong hold for the federally endangered eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrrinus). However, research has demonstrated that they continue to decline throughout their range. During a recent trip to Bruny Island, Tasmania I wanted to capture an image using motion activated cameras that highlights that the eastern quoll could very well disappear from existence.
Author:
Jannico Kelk
Title:
Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)
Description:
The Pilbara is arguably the last stronghold for northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus). Recent research has demonstrated that northern quolls den in the rocky escarpment throughout the Pilbara but come down to the flatter woodlands and grasslands to hunt and forage. I used this information to my advantage and placed a motion activated camera on a natural rocky platform at the base of escarpment near a town called Panniwonica, WA. After five days of waiting, I returned to the camera to find the federally endangered northern quoll had passed through my site several times.
Author:
Jannico Kelk
Title:
Burrowing Bettong (Bettongia lesuer)
Description:
The burrowing bettong or boodie (Bettongia lesuer) is listed as vulnerable nationally and in 2000 Arid Recovery introduced 29 bettongs from Bernier Island and Heirisson Prong in WA to their feral free nature reserve. Bettongs are extremely inquisitive making them an easy target for feral predators. However, a project from Arid Recovery and UNSW has tackled the bettongs predator naivety. This project produced some promising signs that demonstrated that bettongs have shown signs of becoming more cautious of predators. During May 2019 I was lucky enough to help monitor western quolls. However, my motion activated not only detected quolls but bettongs too!
Author:
Jannico Kelk
Title:
Quokka (Setonix brachyurus)
Description:
The Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) is listed as vulnerable nationally and is normally found on Rottnest Island, WA. The island has become a very popular tourist and holiday destination due to its beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. A selfie with a world famous “smiling’’ quokka is almost required from visitors and people flock to the islands tracks to search for animals. The island itself is amazing with wildlife living around beach houses, shops and restaurants. However, sadly these animals are often not respected. They are commonly chased by children and treated as playthings. Rubbish from tourists regularly overflows rubbish bins resulting in Quokkas straying from their natural diet.
Author:
Craig Zilko
Title:
Carnaby Cockatoo
Description:
Carnaby Black Cockatoo is found only in the south west of Western Australia. This a male, identifiable by his pink eye-ring and dark beak. They are recognised as endangered under the federal laws and CITES. This photograph was taken in the front yard of my home located in a suburb south of Perth, Western Australia on the 2 April, 2019. At this time of year they appear in our area to feed on a stand of pines not far from my home. Normally the fly overhead in a small flock but this day they decided to drop in and roost in the street for a short time. Their unique raucous cries alerted me to their presence, so on hearing them, I was able to walk out the front door and obtain a few images before they lifted off heading to their next feeding location.
Author:
Claudia Santori
Title:
Emydura Macquarii
Description:
This is a portray of a female short-necked turtle, Emydura macquarii, by a wetland in southern NSW. These turtles have declined of 69% along the Murray River, and they are listed as “Vulnerable” in both South Australia and Victoria. They are crucial for a healthy ecosystem functioning as they are important scavengers, meaning that they “clean-up” waterways from animal carrion. Seeing these animals is really fascinating, they are rare to encounter on land as they only come out of the water to nest.”
Author:
Jannico Kelk
Title:
Western Quoll (Dasyurus geofforii)
Description:
The Western Quoll or Chuditch (Dasyurus geofforii) is considered to be vulnerable to extinction according to the EPBC. To ensure the survival of this amazing species, Arid Recovery reintroduced the chuditch to their feral free nature reserve located in the sandy deserts of Roxby Downs, South Australia. During their intense monitoring surveys, I was lucky enough to set up several motion activated cameras on burrows known to be used by the chuditch. Currently, all four species of quoll are considered threatened to some degree. To highlight this, I used camera trap and traditional photography to document each species of quoll, the people working to conserve them and the relationship between quolls and the people living in Australia.
Author:
Brett Vercoe
Title:
Bellinger River Snapping Turtle
Description:
Critically endangered The Bellinger River snapping turtle Myuchelys georgesi is critically endangered and endemic to a 60km stretch of the Bellinger Catchment on the north coast of NSW. A disease outbreak in early 2015 was responsible for the death of a large proportion of the population. A new virus is thought to be associated with the disease. They prefer the deeper pools of the clear-water upstream reaches of the river. It has a broad yellow stripe along each side of the face and neck and a yellowish plastron with dark outlines on the edges of the shields.
Author:
Brett Vercoe
Title:
Manning River Helmeted Turtle
Description:
This turtle is confined to the Manning River and its tributaries on the mid-north coast of NSW. It has a similar appearance to the Bellinger River turtle, but genetic analysis has shown that the two are not close relatives. Young animals have patches and streaks of bright yellow on the lower surfaces of their head, neck, limbs and tail, although this tends to fade with age. The plastron is typically yellow with dark margins around the shields. Its diet consists mainly of aquatic insects and plants.
Author:
Brett Vercoe
Title:
Spotted-tail Quoll
Description:
Photographed in old growth forest on the Dorrigo Plateau, NSW, this is a spotted-tail quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), also known as the tiger quoll, the spotted quoll, the spotted-tail dasyure or the tiger cat. It is a carnivorous marsupial of the quoll genus Dasyurus and native to Australia. With males and females weighing around 3.5 and 1.8 kg, respectively, it is mainland Australia's largest carnivorous marsupial, and the world's longest extant carnivorous marsupial (the biggest is the Tasmanian devil). These images were captured after seven fruitless weeks in the field.
Author:
Brett Vercoe
Title:
Spotted-tail Quoll
Description:
Photographed in old growth forest on the Dorrigo Plateau, NSW, this is a spotted-tail quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), also known as the tiger quoll, the spotted quoll, the spotted-tail dasyure or the tiger cat. It is a carnivorous marsupial of the quoll genus Dasyurus and native to Australia. With males and females weighing around 3.5 and 1.8 kg, respectively, it is mainland Australia's largest carnivorous marsupial, and the world's longest extant carnivorous marsupial (the biggest is the Tasmanian devil). These images were captured after seven fruitless weeks in the field.
Author:
Brett Vercoe
Title:
Green turtle
Description:
The green turtle is one of the largest and the only herbivorous marine turtle – feeding almost exclusively on seagrass and algae. Like other sea turtles, it migrates long distances between feeding grounds and nesting beaches, with females returning to the very same beach on which they were hatched to lay their eggs. Female green turtles have been tracked across 2,600 kilometres during such a migration. Producing the next generation of turtles is a lengthy process. Green turtles take 30-50 years to reach sexual maturity, after which females will only nest every 5-8 years. Although clutches may contain as many as 120 eggs, it’s estimated that as few as 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood.
Author:
Brett Vercoe
Title:
Green turtle
Description:
The green turtle is one of the largest and the only herbivorous marine turtle – feeding almost exclusively on seagrass and algae. Like other sea turtles, it migrates long distances between feeding grounds and nesting beaches, with females returning to the very same beach on which they were hatched to lay their eggs. Female green turtles have been tracked across 2,600 kilometres during such a migration. Producing the next generation of turtles is a lengthy process. Green turtles take 30-50 years to reach sexual maturity, after which females will only nest every 5-8 years. Although clutches may contain as many as 120 eggs, it’s estimated that as few as 1 in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood.
Author:
Brett Vercoe
Title:
Eastern freshwater cod
Description:
The Eastern freshwater cod is an endangered species.The species was once prolific in the Clarence and Richmond Rivers in northeastern NSW, however populations collapsed in the 1920s and 1930s and continued to decline until the 1980s when the species was protected. Remnant (non-stocked) populations are now only found in parts of the Clarence River and its tributaries. No remnant populations remain in the Richmond River system, however stocked populations persist in some local tributaries. Eastern Freshwater Cod are listed as an endangered species under both NSW and Commonwealth law.
Author:
Brett Vercoe
Title:
Humpback whale
Description:
Humpbacks are one of the most charismatic of the filter-feeding baleen whales. A favourite of whale watchers, they are often seen propelling their immense bodies out of the water, most likely to communicate with others of the same species, but possibly for other reasons. Their underwater “songs” carry for hundreds of miles.
Author:
Brett Vercoe
Title:
Humpback whale
Description:
Humpback whales are found in every ocean in the world. Their Latin name, Megaptera novaeangliae, means "big wing of New England." It refers to their giant pectoral fins, which can grow up to 16 feet long, and their appearance off the coast of New England, where European whalers first encountered them. They have dark backs, light bellies, pleats on their throats, and a small hump in front of their dorsal fin, leading to the common name of "humpback."
Author:
Brooke Hay
Title:
Booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis)
Description:
The Booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) is listed under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 as Endangered, and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as Endangered. This photo was taken within the Kosciusko National Park while undertaking a nocturnal population monitoring program. I took this photograph as I had never seen one before and had a great opportunity to capture one while it sat surprisingly still. I also wanted to show one of the field team members how delightful frogs could be, as she had a particular aversion to amphibians. I was particularly impressed with its purple tympanic membrane. As with the smoky mouse, I think it is important to raise awareness and to educate in relation to the lesser known Australian fauna species to aid in their protection and conservation, particularly when they are so sensitive to changes in their watery environment.
Author:
Brooke Hay
Title:
Booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis)
Description:
The Booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) is listed under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 as Endangered, and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as Endangered. This photo was taken within the Kosciusko National Park while undertaking a nocturnal population monitoring program. I took this photograph as I had never seen one before and had a great opportunity to capture one while it sat surprisingly still. I also wanted to show one of the field team members how delightful frogs could be, as she had a particular aversion to amphibians. I was particularly impressed with its purple tympanic membrane. As with the smoky mouse, I think it is important to raise awareness and to educate in relation to the lesser known Australian fauna species to aid in their protection and conservation, particularly when they are so sensitive to changes in their watery environment.
Author:
Anna Turner
Title:
Litoria raniformis
Description:
This photo of the endangered Growling Grass Frog, Litoria raniformis, was captured in private wetlands at Perry Bridge, near Sale in South East Victoria. Although formally widely distributed across south eastern Australia, the species has declined markedly across most of its former range. The decline has been most evident over the past two decades. In many areas in south and central Victoria, populations have experienced apparent declines and local extinctions. The series of spring-fed wetlands on this property provide important refuge for this beautiful, large frog, especially in dry years such as this past summer. This photo was captured during night time frog surveys collecting data for the photographers PhD research project on the prevalence and intensity of chytrid fungus in Bell frogs of the Gippsland Lakes and Lower Murrumbidgee regions. Chytrid is the most significant disease to impact vertebrate biodiversity globally.
Author:
Anna Turner
Title:
Litoria raniformis
Description:
Listed as endangered in New South Wales, the Southern Bell Frog, Litoria raniformis, has suffered considerable reduction in abundance and distribution throughout NSW. Once plentiful along the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers and their tributaries from the Southern Tablelands to the South Australian border, the species is now only found in scattered locations throughout their former range. This photo was captured in wetlands of the Gayini Nimmie-Caira, now managed by a consortium led by The Nature Conservancy. Together with its Traditional Owners, the Nari Nari, important wetlands on this vast 87,816 hectare property will be conserved for important migratory birds, native fish nurseries and the endangered Southern Bell Frog. The photo was captured during surveys for the photographers PhD project on the prevalence and intensity of chytrid fungus in Bell frogs of the Gippsland Lakes and Lower Murrumbidgee. Chytrid is the most significant disease to impact vertebrate biodiversity globally.
Author:
Brooke Hay
Title:
Smoky mouse (Pseudomys fumeus)
Description:
The smoky mouse (Pseudomys fumeus) is listed under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 as Critically Endangered, and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as Endangered. This photo was taken within the Kosciusko National Park while undertaking a population monitoring program. I took this photograph so members of the field team had a chance to see its defining features. The majority of the specimens trapped were quite docile and we were able to photograph and video them without notable stress; one even sat quietly on my colleagues’ arm for a few minutes, taking it all in. I entered this photograph as the species is nocturnal and elusive, and very few people will ever get the chance to see one. I think it is important to raise awareness and to educate in relation to the lesser known Australian fauna species to aid in their protection and conservation.
Author:
Bec Souter
Title:
Green Turtle
Description:
This photograph was taken while I was working for a sea turtle conservation program on Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Ningaloo reef is teeming with wildlife, including four of the seven species of sea turtles: green, hawksbill, loggerhead and the occasional flatback turtle. Green turtles are classified as endangered, with a decreasing population due to human interactions. I chose to photograph this graceful animal as she was extremely relaxed while I was out on a snorkel, swimming gracefully with the current and not minding my presence at all.
Author:
Bec Souter
Title:
Green Turtle
Description:
This photograph was taken while I was working for a sea turtle conservation program on Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Ningaloo reef is teeming with wildlife, including four of the seven species of sea turtles: green, hawksbill, loggerhead and the occasional flatback turtle. Green turtles are classified as endangered, with a decreasing population due to human interactions. I chose to photograph this young female as she was resting on the sea floor during a midday snorkel. The area she was photographed in is a common feeding ground for young turtles
Author:
Bec Souter
Title:
Green Turtle
Description:
This photograph was taken off of Coral Bay, Western Australia. Ningaloo reef is teeming with wildlife, including four of the seven species of sea turtles: green, hawksbill, loggerhead and the occasional flatback turtle. Green turtles are classified as endangered, with a decreasing population due to human interactions. I chose to photograph this beautiful female during a snorkel as she was relaxed with my presence in the water and swam straight under me
Author:
Bec Souter
Title:
Green Turtle
Description:
This photograph was taken off of Coral Bay, Western Australia. Ningaloo reef is teeming with wildlife, including four of the seven species of sea turtles: green, hawksbill, loggerhead and the occasional flatback turtle. Green turtles are classified as endangered, with a decreasing population due to human interactions. I chose to photograph this beautiful female during a snorkel as she was relaxed with my presence in the water and allowed me to swim by her for quite some time.
Author:
Bec Souter
Title:
Whitetip reef shark
Description:
Classified as near threatened, these beautiful animals are a common occurrence on Ningaloo Reef, WA. You often see them resting under ledges, or stirring up the sand during feeding time. This animal was photographed during a snorkel while working for a sea turtle conservation program on Ningaloo Reef. I love photographing these rays with their incredible blue spots, this one was particularly relaxed and allowed me to spend some time observing the cleaner fish working over its fins!
Author:
Bec Souter
Title:
Bluespotted fantail Ray
Description:
Humpback whales are found in every ocean in the world. Their Latin name, Megaptera novaeangliae, means "big wing of New England." It refers to their giant pectoral fins, which can grow up to 16 feet long, and their appearance off the coast of New England, where European whalers first encountered them. They have dark backs, light bellies, pleats on their throats, and a small hump in front of their dorsal fin, leading to the common name of "humpback."
Author:
Anna Turner
Title:
Litoria raniformis
Description:
This photo of the endangered Growling Grass Frog, Litoria raniformis, was captured in private wetlands at Perry Bridge, near Sale in South East Victoria. Although formally widely distributed across south eastern Australia, the species has declined markedly across most of its former range. The decline has been most evident over the past two decades. In many areas in south and central Victoria, populations have experienced apparent declines and local extinctions. The series of spring-fed wetlands on this property provide important refuge for this beautiful, large frog, especially in dry years such as this past summer. This photo was captured during night time frog surveys collecting data for the photographers PhD research project on the prevalence and intensity of chytrid fungus in Bell frogs of the Gippsland Lakes and Lower Murrumbidgee regions. Chytrid is the most significant disease to impact vertebrate biodiversity globally.