Wild and wonderful must-reads
In honour of World Wildlife Day (3 March), here are some must-read wildlife stories and resources – from the beautiful, to the thought-provoking.
Wild and wonderful must-reads
Wildlife by Pete Cromer
Discover some of the world’s most wonderful animals through 
Pete Cromer’s bold and beautiful animal portraits.
This gallery-in-a-book features 18 of his best-loved wildlife collages.
For the first time, Pete’s roaringly successful wildlife paper cut artworks are collected here as a stunning picture book for animal and art lovers of all ages.
Hello World. Animals: An Amazing Atlas of Wildlife by Nicola Edwards
Discover some of the most incredible creatures on Earth in this interactive atlas of world wildlife. Featuring over 180 animals from a variety of habitats, lift the flaps to explore the Amazon Rainforest, Madagascar, the Great Barrier Reef and many other wonders of the natural world.
This book celebrates exciting animals, from the penguins of icy Antarctica, to the pygmy elephants of hot and humid Borneo, to a chameleon so tiny it can stand on a matchstick head!
The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest by Heather Lang
Meg Lowman was always fascinated by the natural world above her head. The colours, the branches, and, most of all, the leaves and mysterious organisms living there.
As a scientist, Meg set out to climb up and investigate the rainforest tree canopies – and be the first scientist to do so. But she encountered challenge after challenge. Male teachers would not let her into their classrooms, the high canopy was difficult to get to. Worst of all, people were logging and clearing the forests. But Meg never gave up. She studied, invented, and persevered, not only creating a future for herself as a scientist, but ensuring forests had a future as well.
The Jungle Doctor: the Adventures of An International Wildlife Vet by Chloe Buiting
Explore the majestic, biodiverse world with Australia’s very own jungle vet. Fresh from veterinarian school, passionate conservationist Dr Chloe Buiting headed for the frontline of South Africa’s rhino-poaching crisis, going on to live and work with communities in Northern Tanzania. And the adventures just kept coming!
From catching wild giraffes by helicopter in Zimbabwe, to treating elephants with prosthetic legs in Asia, fitting toucans with 3D-printed beaks in Central America, and tending to endangered orangutans in central Borneo. Chloe’s compassion for animals pushes her into awe-inspiring locations and hair-raising situations.
Flames of Extinction: the Race to Save Australia’s Threatened Wildlife by John Pickrell
Over Australia’s 2019-20 Black Summer bushfire season, scientists estimate that more than three billion native animals were killed or displaced. Many species — koalas, the regent honeyeater, glossy black cockatoo, the platypus — are inching towards extinction at the hands of mega-blazes and the changing climate behind them. In Flames of Extinction, award-winning science writer John Pickrell investigates the effects of the 2019-2020 bushfires on Australian wildlife and ecosystems.
Journeying across the firegrounds, Pickrell explores the stories of creatures that escaped the flames, the wildlife workers who rescued them, and the conservationists, land managers, Aboriginal rangers, ecologists and firefighters on the front line of the climate catastrophe. He also reveals the radical new conservation methods being trialled to save as many species as possible from the very precipice of extinction.
Habitat: A Practical Guide to Creating a Wildlife-Friendly Australian Garden by A. B. Bishop
An inspirational and practical how-to guide for people keen to attract insects, reptiles, frogs, birds and animals into their garden – for their own enjoyment, and as a contribution to the health and sustainability of the environment. Learn how to design, plant and maintain fauna-friendly landscapes, and create truly authentic and effective habitats.
Includes: detailed plant directory; information on what plants (native and exotic) suit what creatures and why; and advice on how to factor in the shelter, nesting, food and water requirements of different wildlife. A practical projects chapter features step-by-step instructions for soil testing; making compost tea; building and planting a frog pond; and constructing nesting boxes and insect hotels.
Digital resources
Whether you’re a biology student, or you’re simply fascinated by the natural world, these online resources are sure to pique your curiosity. Access is FREE with your Western Downs Libraries membership:
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Gale Interactive Science
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National Geographic Virtual Library (including Nat Geo KIDS).
About World Wildlife Day
On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 March as World Wildlife Day. This is a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. Find out more here. How will you celebrate World Wildlife Day?