There are about 3500 islands in WA, which is more than any other Australian jurisdiction. All are in
public ownership, and almost all south of the Kimberley are managed by a single government
agency, and almost all Kimberley islands are held under native title. This is a situation unique in the world.
Presenters Andrew Burbidge and Ian Abbott’s lecture is arranged in two parts. First, how islands differ from the mainland; why
they are interesting; a brief account of some biological curiosities; and an outline of the natural
factors that have led to changes in insular biotas. The second part is about nature conservation on
islands, with a focus on WA, and impacts of invasive species on native mammals; the management
actions taken to minimise extinctions on islands, and the role of islands in conserving species that
are threatened on mainland Australia.

Dr. Andrew A Burbidge AO
Andrew is a conservation biologist who worked for state government conservation agencies for 33
years and has since been continuing this work. His main research areas include/included biological
survey and conservation reserve design and acquisition; island survey, biosecurity and
management; control of invasive species; Aboriginal oral history of mammals and fire; and
threatened species conservation, especially mammals.
Andrew is chair of the WA Threatened Species Scientific Committee and the Barrow Island Gorgon
Gas Development Quarantine Expert Panel.

Ian Abbott spent most of his career as a research scientist in the WA Public Service (1979-2014).
Since retiring he has continued some of this work and ventured into new subjects. These include
island and mainland ecology and evolution in WA and beyond; ecological study of Jarrah, Banksia
grandis, and the forest avifauna; Noongar fire regimes and their names for bird and mammal
species; and mammal extinction in WA.

Both presenters are widely published.

There will also be a focus talk from Daniel Heald on fossil insects. And Paul Doughty will talk to us about the upcoming FrogID Week (Nov 7-16).

Meeting begins at 7.30pm at the Hew Roberts Lecture Theatre, University of Western Australia. Parking is available at Clifton St entrance to the campus*  All are welcome to attend, and a donation of $3 for members or $5 for guests. EFT available.

*Please note no parking currently available at Gordon Street entrance; drive around to Clifton St.