Australia's First Naturalists: Indigenous Peoples' Contribution to Early Zoology by Penny Olsen and Lynette Russell

Book Description

Secondhand. Very good condition. Minor wear to book corners and edges. Interior and binding are still excellent.

The legacy of colonial naturalists such as Joseph Banks and John Gould, as well as others since, has long been recognised and celebrated. However, the invaluable contribution of Australia's Indigenous People to the advancement of Western zoology has barely been acknowledged.

Australia's First Naturalists describes how many zoological discoveries made by European naturalists would not have been possible without Aboriginal people and their knowledge of the country's fauna and environment.

Not only did Indigenous Australians give Europeans their first views of iconic animals such as the Koala and Superb Lyrebird, but they also assisted nearly every exploration of the interior, tracking and catching animals so that scientists could document and classify the unusual fauna of this vast realm. Well into the twentieth century, Aboriginal people were helping zoologists find rare animals and animals feared extinct.

Penny Olsen and Lynette Russell shed light on the crucial contribution of Indigenous people to Western zoological discoveries, restoring them to their rightful place as Australia's first naturalist. (back cover)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers, please note that this book may contain descriptions and/or images of people who have passed away.