The authors of this book, Judy, Peter and Kate Smith, are members of APS Blue Mountains Group. Judy Smith explains the content of the book and the significance of its timing.
Native Fauna of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Judy, Peter and Kate Smith. 172 pages, soft cover. Published by P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, October 2019. RRP $35. Details: www.bluemountainsfauna.com.au.
The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is an area of spectacular views, eucalypt forests and woodlands interspersed with swamp, wetlands, escarpments, rainforest and heath, together with some 1500 different plants. The area has 98 different eucalypts (Angophora, Corymbia and Eucalyptus species) as well as iconic endemic plants, such as the Wollemi Pine and Dwarf Mountain Pine (Pherosphaera fitzgeraldii, formerly Microstrobus). The area is also home to an outstanding and diverse native fauna. Native Fauna of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, published in October 2019, provides the first comprehensive account of this fauna.
The book includes descriptions of the area’s environment and fauna habitats and details the status, local distribution and ecology of each of the 432 native vertebrate fauna species (68 mammal, 254 bird, 74 reptile and 36 frog species) that have been reliably recorded in the area since European settlement. The number of species, including almost one third of Australia’s bird species, is astounding. A checklist indicates in which of the World Heritage Area’s eight constituent reserves (Blue Mountains, Gardens of Stone, Kanangra-Boyd, Nattai, Thirlmere Lakes, Wollemi and Yengo National Parks and Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve) each species has been recorded together with dates of the last records. The 28 mammals, 34 birds, 4 reptiles and 7 frogs considered threatened at national or state level are highlighted. Over 200 colour photos (Peter’s work), 20 illustrations (Kate’s) and two locality maps are included.
Celebrating 20 years
As the 20th anniversary of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Listing approaches in 2020, this book celebrates the diversity, scientific value and conservation importance of the area’s fauna.
About the authors
The authors, Peter and Judy, are ecologists who have lived and worked in the Blue Mountains for almost 40 years. Their daughter Kate grew up in the Blue Mountains and now works as a visual artist in Canberra.
Dr Judy Smith and Dr Peter Smith
P & J Smith Ecological Consultants
44 Hawkins Pde
Blaxland NSW 2774
smitheco@ozemail.com.au