For up to 8,000 years the fauna on many of the 170 islands that make up the Houtman Abrolhos off Geraldton have evolved in isolation, providing a fascinating laboratory in which to study adaptive patterns in many species.
Dr Ric How, terrestrial vertebrate senior curator at the Western Australian Museum will present a public lecture, Ark of discovery: evolution of fauna on the Houtman Abrolhos, as part of The Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West.
Dr How said the long period of isolation from mainland Australia on islands of different sizes and resources had given rise to many differences in the species on the Abrolhos.
“These isolated populations develop major morphological and genetic differences from those of the same species on the mainland,” Dr How said.
“This provides important insights into the role fragmentation plays in aiding speciation and in how remote populations can be best conserved and managed.
“It is this pattern of adaptation that is of major interest to evolutionary biologists and that provides important information for the conservation and management of the archipelago”.
Dr How said that with the islands arranged in three separate groups, the Abrolhos represented a haven for fauna species, a few of which are not found on the adjacent mainland.
“The archipelago contains the only known populations of several bird and reptile species and our recent surveys indicate several more may exist,” he said.
Dr How has had 40 years research experience as a vertebrate ecologist and biogeographer working extensively in Australia and Indonesia as well conducting specific studies in Sri Lanka and China.
The Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West is proudly presented by the WA Museum in partnership with Chevron Australia. The series showcases the work of Museum scientists, curators and associates in the areas of natural and social sciences.
NB: Interview opportunities available
LECTURE: Ark of discovery: evolution of fauna on the Houtman Abrolhos
WHEN: Thursday 17 November 2011, 7.00pm and Friday 18 November 2011, 2.00pm
WHERE: WA Museum – Albany, Residency Road, Albany
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: www.museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest
COST: Gold coin donation
MEDIA CONTACT: Flora Perrella, Western Australian Museum T: 9212 3856 M: 0424027646
