CDU Professor honoured for contributions to Australasian fauna conservation

Charles Darwin University (CDU) Professor of Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods Stephen Garnett has received a Special Commendation award at the Royal Zoological Society of NSW’s Whitley Awards held recently in Sydney.

Professor Garnett, a research professor at CDU’s Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL), was commended for his outstanding lifetime contributions towards the promotion of Australasian fauna and its conservation.

Professor Garnett, who has been with CDU for over 18 years, published his first book in 1983.

He has since authored or edited over 15 titles including many around threatened Australian birds and is recognised both nationally and internationally for research on conservation management.

Professor Garnett said it was a huge honour to receive such a prestigious award.

“This award was completely unexpected and honours not just me but the many people who have worked with me over the decades,” Professor Garnett said.

“I am also delighted to see that books, particularly natural history books, are still valued by society - I have plans for several more.”

The Royal Zoological Society of NSW’s Whitley Awards are held annually and recognise the best publications that profile the unique wildlife found in the Australasian region. 

The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2020 which Professor Garnett co-edited was also among the 14 to receive Certificates of Commendation from the Society.

The President of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW Dr Pat Hutchings said the Whitley Awards provide an opportunity to recognise outstanding zoological literature.

“On behalf of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW I would like to thank all applicants and congratulate all of the award winners,” Dr Hutchings said.

“I congratulate Professor Garnett on winning the Special Commendation Award, he is a well-deserved award recipient who has contributed hugely to zoological literature.”

“I encourage anyone with an interest in zoology to read some of these amazing books that are available.”

For more information on the Royal Zoological Society of NSW’s Whitley Awards see here.