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Elsevier

The Fauna of Australia’s Tropical Savanna Biome

Biodiversity, Biogeography, and Conservation

  • 1st Edition - November 5, 2026
  • Latest edition
  • Editors: Alan Andersen, John Woinarski
  • Language: English

The Fauna of Australia's Tropical Savanna Biome: Biodiversity, Biogeography and Conservation considers the full range of vegetation types and freshwater systems that occur within… Read more

Description

The Fauna of Australia's Tropical Savanna Biome: Biodiversity, Biogeography and Conservation considers the full range of vegetation types and freshwater systems that occur within the dominant savanna matrix in Australia's monsoonal tropics. Edited by renowned experts of tropical ecology, it provides descriptions of diversity, taxonomic, functional composition and endemism, and ecological and biogeographical questions of wide interest. Chapters explore how diversity and composition vary among different habitats in a savanna landscape and along the savanna rainfall gradient. The book also considers how distinctive savanna fauna is within Australia and compared with tropical savannas elsewhere in the world. The book considers the unique biogeographic and evolutionary history of this highly diverse and distinctive biome, building on a rich foundation of knowledge accrued over decades of research on many aspects of the region's biodiversity, conservation values, and challenges. This is an indispensable resource for students and researchers studying tropical biodiversity, as well as conservationists and land managers of Australia's tropical savanna biome and those found across the globe.

Key features

  • Considers the fauna of all vegetation types and freshwater systems that occur within the dominant Australian savanna matrix
  • Identifies centers of diversity and endemism across faunal groups
  • Describes conservation threats and management responses

Readership

Academic researchers, resource managers, conservationists, and policymakers interested in tropical biodiversity, ecology, biogeography, and conservation

Table of contents

1. Introduction

2. Ants

3. Termites

4. Butterflies

5. Grasshoppers

6. Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

7. Fish

8. Amphibians

9. Reptiles

10. Birds

11. Mammals

12. Ecophysiological Adaptation

13. Indigenous Perspectives

14. Synthesis

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: November 5, 2026
  • Language: English

About the editors

AA

Alan Andersen

Dr. Alan Andersen is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and Full Professor within Charles Darwin University’s Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods. He obtained his BSc at Monash University and his PhD at the University of Melbourne. Dr. Andersen brings nearly 40 years of research expertise in the ecology of tropical savannas. Prior to his current role, he was Chief Research Scientist with CSIRO Land & Water Flagship and Office-in-Charge of CSIRO’s Tropical Ecosystems Research Centre. For more than two decades, he led a team of ecologists, socioecologists, economists, and support staff to deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits to Australian tropical savanna communities. He has led the development of six books and has contributed to major reference works, including Elsevier’s Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes.

Affiliations and expertise
Charles Darwin University Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Brinkin, Australia

JW

John Woinarski

Dr. John Woinarski is Deputy Director of the National Environmental Science Program’s Threatened Species Recovery Hub and Full Professor within Charles Darwin University’s Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods. He brings nearly 40 years of research expertise in the ecology and conservation of northern Australian fauna. He specializes in the ecology, biogeography, and conservation management of mammals and birds, and brings additional experience in invertebrates, reptiles, plants, reserve design, fire, habitat fragmentation, forestry, biodiversity, mining, and island biogeography. He has led the development of six books and has contributed to major reference works, including Elsevier’s Encyclopedia of the World’s Biomes.
Affiliations and expertise
Charles Darwin University Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Brinkin, Australia