LANDSCOPE Magazine

Stories of the triumphs of science and the wonder of Western Australia's natural places, told by those on the ground and celebrated with visually stunning photography.

On the cover

From the desk of Luke Bentley

Contributing

LANDSCOPE Magazine

Reader’s pic • Bird orchid (Pterostylis barbata)

Bicentennial Tree partially reopened

Detector dogs trialled to sniff out danger

Interactive storytelling at Purnlulu

Double celebration in the Pilbara

Guest column

Porongurup National Park • Porongurup National Park, is about 40 minutes’ drive from Albany on Western Australia’s south coast, and is home to the spectacular Porongurup Range. The granite peaks of the range rise and fall for 12 kilometres, reaching to 670 metres high and provide views of the Stirling Range and—on a clear day—the Southern Ocean.

Birds of a feather

Remembering Rottnest

Sharksmart WA

The culture and science of whale strandings • Along the extensive Western Australian coastline, mass whale strandings have unfortunately been known to occur. While theories exist regarding the reasons behind these events, it can be difficult to determine why some whales strand.

Battling feral cats • Feral cats top the list of the most destructive species in Australia, costing the economy a huge $18.5 billion over the last 60 years in damage and population control measures. In Western Australia, new technology and community-based action, backed by a nation-first strategy, are helping control feral cats to protect our precious wildlife and biodiversity.

Running away from it all • Ultra marathon running has all the luster of athletic events with less pace-focused seriousness, and the bonus biophilic benefits of spending time in nature. Lauren Cabrera was one of hundreds of runners who took to the trails in and around the Margaret River region this year to participate in an 80-kilometre route from Hamelin Bay to Wilyabrup as part of the Margaret River Ultra Marathon event.

Karijini Experience • A celebration of culture and landscapes

Love of the river runs deep • After settling in Western Australia with a well-developed appreciation of nature, Sue Harper was awestruck by the resident wildlife of Perth’s Swan and Canning rivers. Her love for the rivers’ resident dolphins and bird life led her to volunteer as a citizen scientist and develop impressive skills as a nature photographer.

Boorn to survive • The forests of south-west Australia, known by the Noongar Traditional Owners as djarlimari, are rich in biodiversity but are facing serious threats from a changing climate. Scientists are looking into the development and application of adaptive management strategies that may help reduce the impact.

Gateway to exploration • Collie and Dwellingup accredited ‘Trail Towns’

Spotted triggerplant (Stylidium tenerrimum)

Protecting our plants

Western whistler (Pachycephala fuliginosa) • Formerly considered a subspecies of the eastern states’ golden whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis), the western whistler is a rounded songbird with a heavy, thick bill. The western whistler spans from Kalbarri south, and east to drier regions of south Australia and western Victoria. The male western whistler has an olive-yellow back, black head, white chin, bright yellow underparts, and a black-tipped grey tail. Females are plain grey. Their calls include a loud piercing whistle with a whip-like ending.