Asia Haines (Armstrong)

A Field Guide to the Vertebrates of Lady Elliot Island was created to capture a living snapshot of life on and around this remarkable coral cay. As ocean temperatures shift and species move into new areas, understanding what’s here now is the first step in tracking change. This guide provides that essential benchmark.

Developed through the Leaf to Reef research project, the book brings together years of scientific surveys alongside invaluable sightings from resort staff and passionate citizen scientists. The result? New records for Australian waters, documented range extensions, and even species new to science.

Inside, you’ll find vibrant full-colour photographs and accessible species profiles covering birds, sharks, rays, fishes, mammals, and reptiles. Special “creature features” spotlight some of Lady Elliot Island’s most iconic wildlife, including red-tailed tropicbirds, reef manta rays, Lady Elliot shrimpgobies, humpback whales, and green sea turtles.

More than a field guide, this book is a celebration of collaboration, discovery, and the extraordinary biodiversity of the southern Great Barrier Reef — a vital resource for anyone who wants to explore and understand this changing marine world.