For up to 8,000 years the fauna on many of the 170 islands that make up the Houtman Abrolhos off Geraldton have evolved in isolation, providing a fascinating laboratory in which to study adaptive patterns in many species.

As part of the Western Australian Museum’s second year of the Harry Butler: In the Wild West lecture series and National Science Week activities, the Museum’s terrestrial vertebrates senior curator Professor Ric How will present An ark of discovery: evolution of fauna on the Houtman Abrolhos.

Prof. How, said the long period of isolation from mainland Australia on islands of different sizes and resources had given rise to many differences in the species on the Abrolhos.

“These isolated populations develop major morphological and genetic differences from those of the same species on the mainland,” he said.

“This provides important insights into the role fragmentation plays in aiding speciation and in how remote populations can be best conserved and managed.

“It is this pattern of adaptation that is of major interest to evolutionary biologists and that provides important information for the conservation and management of the archipelago”.

Prof. How said that with the islands arranged in three separate groups, the Abrolhos represented a haven for fauna species, a few of which are not found on the adjacent mainland.

“The archipelago contains the only known populations of several bird and reptile species and our recent surveys indicate several more may exist,” he said.

Prof. How has had 40 years research experience as a vertebrate ecologist and biogeographer working extensively in Australia and Indonesia as well conducting specific studies in Sri Lanka and China.

The Harry Butler lecture series: In the Wild West, presented in partnership with Chevron Australia, showcases the work of Museum scientists, curators and associates in the areas of natural and social sciences. National Science Week runs from 13–21 August 2011. For more information visit http://www.scienceweek.gov.au/

LECTURE: An ark of discovery: evolution of fauna on the Houtman Abrolhos
WHEN: 7.00pm, Thursday 18 August 2011
10.00am, Friday 19 August 2011
WHERE: WA Museum – Geraldton, Museum Place, Batavia Coast Marina, Geraldton.
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: www.museum.wa.gov.au/inthewildwest
COST: Entry by gold coin donation

Flora Perrella, Western Australian Museum T: 9212 3856 M: 0424027646