Congratulations to Mary Koolhof OAM
A resplendence of poets could not conceive of something so exquisite as the kaleidoscope of natures nocturnal glow. For the first time, this paper presents an overview of Tasmanias luminous phenomena: the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights; Sea Sparkles, or marine bioluminescence Noctiluca scintillans; Glow-worms Arachnocampa tasmaniensis; Ghost Mushrooms Omphalotus nidiformis and other fungi; fluorescent scorpions Cercophonius squama; fluorescent marsupials (14 species), placental mammals (five species), and monotremes (two species); fluorescent birds (eight species); and Goblins Gold Moss Mittenia plumula. For each, I briefly detail their natural history, early Tasmanian history, notes on their occurrence in nature, and other aspects of interest. Many of these phenomena are little known in Tasmania and require further scientific inquiry. All have great tourism and educational potential and most of the living forms are under increasing threat for their survival.
Published Papers
The Royal Society of Tasmania acknowledges, with deep respect, the traditional owners of this land, and the ongoing custodianship of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. The Society pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples have survived severe and unjust impacts resulting from invasion and dispossession of their Country. As an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, the Royal Society of Tasmania recognises Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practices and seeks to respect and honour these traditions and the deep understanding they represent.
On 15 February 2021, the Royal Society of Tasmania offered a formal Apology to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Read more
