For those wanting a straightforward introduction to Australian
biogeography, an American academic well versed in the topic has provided a
solution. Tim Berra, a professor emeritus of zoology at Ohio State University,
has seen much of the continent since he started making fields trips to Australia
in 1969. His notes and many of his superb photos are the basis for A Natural
History of Australia. He offers an outsider’s perspective of Australia well
suited to those contemplating the journey and wanting to know more about the
country’s flora and fauna than the average travel book would contain. Rest
assured, shark attacks are rare and on average only five people die from
snakebite each year. Published by UNSW Press, $45, ISBN 0868404721.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features

ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
Hantavirus outbreak will not cause a covid-style pandemic, says WHO
News

ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
PCOS postpones perimenopause and allows pregnancies at older ages
News

ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
Coffee's mood-boosting effects aren't just down to caffeine
News

Comment
The best new popular science books of May 2026
Culture
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Red-light therapy does have health benefits but not the ones you think
2
Woman in cancer remission without treatment in highly unusual case
3
A lost ancient script reveals how writing as we know it really began
4
Man destined for Alzheimer's may have been saved by accidental therapy
5
Where has the deadly hantavirus come from and how does it spread?
6
PCOS postpones perimenopause and allows pregnancies at older ages
7
Hantavirus outbreak will not cause a covid-style pandemic, says WHO
8
The greatest David Attenborough documentaries you really need to watch
9
Honey has been used as medicine for centuries – does it really work?
10
Dating over 50 is probably on the rise – but we know little about it