Australian Studies: Environment

This comprehensive guide describes the organisms and ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the biological, chemical and physical processes that influence them.

An illustrated, authoritative, and entertaining compendium of the abundant and unique animals that live on the Australian continent today.

One of the most amazing and accessible wildlife-watching destinations on earth, the "Top End" of Australia's Northern Territory is home to incredible birds and animals--from gaudy Red-collared Lorikeets to sinister Estuarine Crocodiles and raucous Black Flying-foxes. With this lavishly illustrated photographic field guide, you will be able to identify the most common creatures and learn about their fascinating biology--from how Agile Wallaby mothers can pause their pregnancies to why Giant Frogs spend half the year buried underground in waterproof cocoons. The Top End stretches from the tropical city of Darwin in the north, to the savannas of Mataranka in the south, and southwest across the vast Victoria River escarpments to the Western Australian border. The region includes some of Australia's most popular and impressive tourist destinations, such as Kakadu, Litchfield, Nitmiluk, and Gregory national parks, and is visited by more than two hundred thousand tourists every year. An essential field guide for anyone visiting the Top End, this book will vastly enhance your appreciation of the region's remarkable wildlife. Features hundreds of stunning color photographs Includes concise information on identification and preferred habitat for each species Provides a summary of each species' life history, including interesting habits, and suggestions on where to see it Offers valuable tips on searching for wildlife in the Top End An essential guide for visitors to the Top End, from Darwin south to Katherine and Kununurra, including Kakadu, Litchfield, Nitmiluk and Gregory national parks

This book describes the kangaroo, platypus, and other animals native to Australia, and discusses their origin and adaptation to their environment.

This book covers topics such as phytogeography, vegetation history, alien plants, plant life of extreme Australian habitats, coastal vegetation, and conservation of Australian vegetation.

Lessons for the future of urban Australia In recent years, south-east Queensland has become Australia's fastest growing urban area, with population levels expected to double over the next 20 years. This growth has caused water and housing shortages, while traffic congestion steadily increases, all of which has led to one of the world's most challenging urban management situations. A Climate for Growth brings together expert contributors to address key topics in the growth debate. Peter Spearritt tracks the emergence of a '200-kilometre city' in south-east Queensland; while Ian Lowe gives a timely reminder of the serious resource shortages and environmental issues that have emerged. Other contributors consider design for this climate, with an emphasis on integrating transport and greenspace; chart the haphazard evolution of the region's transport system; and show the impact of local voices on planning in their own communities. The growth dilemmas facing Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine coasts and surrounding areas will ultimately affect all of metropolitan Australia- whether to build infrastructure that eases water and transport deficits but hastens climate change; how to address rising community unease about growth; how to develop the governance capacity to build on progressive practices. These issues will impact every Australian living in urban areas or 'growth corridors'.

Green Urbanism Down Under reports on the current state of sustainability practice" in Australia and the many lessons that U.S. residents can learn from the best Australian programs and initiatives.