Australian Island Arks: Conservation, Management and Opportunities

Description

Australia is the custodian of a diverse range of continental and oceanic islands. From Heard and Macquarie in the sub-Antarctic, to temperate Lord Howe and Norfolk, to the tropical Cocos (Keeling) and the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia's islands contain some of the nation's most iconic fauna, flora, and ecosystems. They are a refuge for over 35% of Australia's threatened species and for many others declining on mainland Australia. They also have significant cultural value, especially for Indigenous communities, and economic value as centres for tourism. Australian Island Arks presents a compelling case for restoring and managing islands to conserve our natural heritage. With contributions from island practitioners, researchers, and policy-makers, it reviews current island management practices and discusses the need and options for future conservation work. Chapters focus on the management of invasive species, threatened species recovery, conservation planning, Indigenous cultural values and partnerships, tourism enterprises, visitor management, and policy and legislature. Case studies show how island restoration and conservation approaches are working in Australia and what the emerging themes are for the future. Australian Island Arks will help island communities, managers, visitors, and decision-makers understand the current status of Australia's islands, their management challenges, and the opportunities that exist to make best use of these iconic landscapes.

Dorian Moro is an Australian wildlife biologist, holding an Adjunct Associate Professor position at Murdoch University and a research position with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in Western Australia. He was co-editor of the book Advances in Reintroduction Biology of Australian and New Zealand Fauna. Derek Ball is an ecologist and conservation entrepreneur and is currently a Chief Executive Officer in the not-for-profit sector. He is the founding and continuing convener and chair for the Island Arks Australia network. Sally Bryant is the Head of Science and Planning at the Tasmanian Land Conservancy and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Tasmania. She is on the Editorial Board of the journal Ecological Management & Restoration and her popular ABC Radio wildlife program has been running fortnightly since 1999.