Purchase the Nature Guide

$35.00

North Stradbroke Island-Minjerribah Nature Guide

North Stradbroke Island-Minjerribah lying just off Brisbane’s coast is famous for its magnificent surfing beaches and spectacular Humpback whales swimming close to shore. But there is so much more to this ancient sand island’s natural world. This guidebook is an informative companion for island visitors and nature lovers which illustrates the beauty and complexity of the island’s unique wildlife and ecology.

Beautifully illustrated with over 700 photographs, the guidebook has been compiled as a community project by members of the Friends of Stradbroke Island, dedicated to protecting the island’s unique fragile environment. Expert ecologists and scientists have reviewed and contributed to the book. Every chapter is based on the latest research. Specialist contributors include well-known Queensland scientists and naturalists Dr Chris Burwell, Harry Hines, Glenn Leiper, John T. Moss, Dr David Stewart and Dr Kathy Townsend.

Drawing on their field research, the Nature Guide brings together information from the perspective of the natural sciences to provide insights and a comprehensive introduction to the island’s unique wildlife and ecology.

Dr Michael Banyard, who was President of the Conservation Biology section of the Australian Veterinary Association wrote in 2018:

“I have not found its equal here or overseas…this book contains a wealth of current scientific knowledge from a long list of highly qualified contributors…It should allow local government councillors, politicians, nature lovers and developers the opportunity to see what is at stake and thus understand the balance that must be kept to maintain the integrity of Minjerribah”.

Read another generous review by Julie Kearney.

SKU: FOSI- Category:

Contents include:

  • A Place of Sand and Water: the island’s geology, hydrology, diverse habitats and environmental history all in one chapter
  • Minjerribah’s Wild Places: tips for understanding and exploring the island’s beaches, rocky shores, marine environment, inland lakes, swamps and bushland
  • Beachcombing: a guide to the creatures and objects found on the seashore
  • Wild Stradbroke Seasonal Guide: wildflowers and wildlife – follow the rhythms of the island’s natural world
  • Life in the Ocean: whales, dolphins, dugongs, turtles, sharks, rays, seal, fish – their ecology and spotting tips
  • Birds: 150 birds described with spotting tips and a new island bird list
  • Aquatic animals of the wallum wetlands: focuses on the frogs, turtles, crayfish, eels and other denizens of the swamps and lakes
  • Mammals: highlights the island’s special koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, swamp rats, bats and other mammals
  • Island insects: butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies and cicadas – described with new island lists
  • Lizards and land snakes: features island reptiles with complete species lists
  • Plants: 150 key island plants described with photographs and a habitat guide.

Suitable for students from primary to university level, supported by a detailed reference chapter. A great teaching aid for excursions.

The guidebook is available at mainland bookshops: SLQ Library Shop, Avid Reader West End, Mary Ryan New Farm, Riverbend Books Bulimba, One Girl Studio Graceville and Indigiscapes Capalaba; or on the island at Manta Lodge and Scuba Centre, Moreton Bay Research Station, NSI Historical Museum and Straddie News at Dunwich.

Contributing Editors – Mary Barram and Sue Ellen Carew; Managing Editor – Susan Hill; Design by Michael Phillips; Front cover image by Fiona Pyke.

352 pp., laminated protective cover, octavo size, colour photographs, diagrams and maps.

Published December 2016 by the Friends of Stradbroke Island Inc. ISBN: 978-0-9953928-0-9