Field Guides

The Western Australian Museum has produced a range of exciting and easy-to-read field guides in both printed and electronic form.

  • Field guide to the terrestrial and freshwater molluscs of the Pilbara region website entry

    Field Guide to terrestrial and freshwater molluscs of the North West

    These pages have been set up as a field identification tool for terrestrial and freshwater molluscs (mostly snails) in north west Western Australia. It includes basic information on the various terrestrial and freshwater mollusc families, and in some cases genera and species, that commonly occur in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, plus a list of key scientific literature that deals with each group.

    Visit the field guide

  • Field Guide to Snakes of the Pilbara, Western Australia book cover

    Field Guide to Snakes of the Pilbara, Western Australia

    The Pilbara is one of the iconic regions of Australia, famous for its spectacular and diverse scenery, and its vast mineral resources. Snakes too are the iconic group of reptiles. They have evolved to be one of the most effective predators on the planet. In the Pilbara there is a rich array of 47 species, on land and sea, with eight of these being endemic to the region.

    This comprehensive, easy-to-use guide includes superb colour photographs and many drawings to aid identification. It is an essential companion for nature-lovers, bush-walkers and students, and to those working, living and travelling in the Pilbara.

    $30.00 Buy

  • Field Guide to Frogs of Western Australia

    Western Australia is home to more than eighty of the known frog species in Australia and new frogs are still being discovered. This comprehensive guide will appeal to general and specialist readers and students, to anyone with an interest in Australia’s frogs, which are such an important barometer of environmental health.

    Field Guide to Frogs of Western Australia presents up-to-date information on all species, including their distribution and habitat, and features extensive colour photographs and location maps to assist identification.

    $35.00 add to cart

  • Field Guide to Marine Fishes

    Field Guide to Marine Fishes

    This phenomenally successful guide to the wealth and variety of fish in Australia’s tropical waters — including the Great Barrier Reef — and south-east Asia has been updated and expanded. It is an invaluable reference for divers and anglers, to both scientists and the layperson; to everyone with an interest in our remarkable tropical fish.

    The field guide includes full colour images of some 1,500 fish in 105 beautiful plates by leading Australian marine artists, Roger Swainton and Jill Ruse.

    Since its first publication, over 20,000 copies Field Guide to Marine Fishes have sold.

    $35.00 add to cart

  • Field Guide to Sea Stingers

    Field Guide to Sea Stingers

    Australia's coastline extends from the tropical waters of the north to the temperate waters in the south, and it attracts thousands of swimmers, sailors, skindivers, fishers, naturalists and beach walkers each year. This book is a comprehensive guide to the venomous and poisonous marine animals without backbones to be encountered in our waters, including their habitats and lifestyles and the nature of their toxins.

    Field Guide to Sea Stingers also provides tips on how to avoid being bitten, stung or poisoned, as well as up-to-date first aid information on treatment in the event of an encounter.

    $35.00 add to cart

  • Reptiles and Frogs of the Perth Region

    Field Guide to Reptiles and Frogs of the Perth Region

    Did you know that the Sand Frog makes a noise like an outboard motor? Or do you know how to distinguish a Gwardar from a Dugite, or a freshwater from a sea turtle?

    Drawing on a lifelong interest with reptiles and frogs, four experienced naturalists bring together a wealth of information on the fascinating reptiles — including turtles — and frogs of the Perth area.

    This comprehensive, easy-to-use guide includes superb colour photographs and many drawings to aid identification. Ideal for nature-lovers, gardeners, bush-walkers and students to read at leisure or to identify that slithering, splashing or croaking critter in the garden or bush.

    $35.00 add to cart

  • Dangerous Land Snakes of Western Australia

    Dangerous Land Snakes of Western Australia (Poster)

    It is important to learn about the snakes that inhabit your area. There are 54 species of venomous land snakes known to inhabit Western Australia. Of these, the majority are venomous but considered too small to be harmful to humans. But there are 14 snakes that are considered dangerously venomous, capable of inflicting a bite that requires antivenom treatment.

    The poster also includes First Aid information.

    $35.00 add to cart

  • Dangerous Land Snakes of Western Australia

    Dangerous Land Snakes of Western Australia (iPhone App)

    It is important to learn about the snakes that inhabit your area. There are 54 species of venomous land snakes known to inhabit Western Australia. Of these, the majority are venomous but considered too small to be harmful to humans. But there are 14 snakes that are considered dangerously venomous, capable of inflicting a bite that requires antivenom treatment.

    The iPhone Application also includes First Aid information.

    $1.99 purchase from iTunes

  • Skinks App icon

    Skinks of the Perth Region (iPhone App)

    Ever wonder what skinks can be found in your garden of local area? Have you spotted a skink or small lizard and wondered what it is? Skinks of the Perth Region gives you all the details about our scaled friends, including images, maps, habitat, descriptions and general observations for 29 species of skinks that can located around the Perth region.

    Everything you wanted to know about the family Scincidae in the Perth area is now available in one convenient app. Whether it's a curious mind, or the desire for a quick identification, this app is a must for any lizard lover visiting or living near Perth.

    $1.99 purchase from iTunes