From the Editor
IT’S PROBABLY too early to think of what benefits COVID-19 might bring, while the pandemic continues to take its deadly toll. But it’s one of the best aspects of human nature that we try to find good in the face of adversity.
A quick flick through this issue of Australian Geographic reveals a theme that recurs time and again in our conservation and science reporting, the involvement of ordinary private citizens in essential research projects run by academic institutions. Once the preserve of the qualified research community, essential long-term field observations are now being carried out by members of the public, thanks in part to a combination of special smartphone apps, data-gathering websites and a fast-growing artificial intelligence capability that can quickly analyse vast amounts of data and imagery.
In this issue we discover the invaluable public contribution being made to: understanding past extreme weather events (page 40), protecting seadragons (page 46), and unlocking the mysteries of our beloved, quirky echidnas (page 66).
The pandemic has severely limited professional fieldwork opportunities as well as keeping most of us confined to homes and backyards – slowing us all down and gifting us time to get to know our neighbourhoods better, perhaps also seeking out pockets of natural bushland where we could legally exercise.
During these past months we must certainly have become more aware of and familiar with the native species that surround us. Hopefully, we have learnt to appreciate our wild neighbours – birds, butterflies, frogs, possums, lizards and more. As our human footprint eats away at natural habitats, we urgently need to make room in our modern world for native wildlife. The future of our species depends on it, according to Sir David Attenborough, who has released his important witness statement for the planet in a new book and cinema documentary film (page 18).
It’s a powerful call to action from the man who, more than any other, has entranced generations with the wonder of the natural world during six decades of documentary filmmaking. David reveals how a childhood fascination with his local amphibian wildlife in the UK, such as newts and frogs, set him off on his life’s mission.
So do heed Sir David’s impassioned call and find ways to get involved and make a difference. Look at contributing to the rich raft of citizen science projects available. Or be inspired, grab a camera and capture the beauty of nature all around you, just like Priscilla Kasidis does. A dental assistant and amateur shutterbug, Priscilla took our stunning cover photograph of a short-beaked echidna.
Who knows? Perhaps you could also get your photo on the cover of Australian Geographic! Congratulations, Priscilla.
All the best for the rest of the massively challenging year that is 2020 and, of course, much joy for the approaching Christmas and holiday season.