Halina T. Kobryn

Geotourism aims to provide opportunities for visitors to view and experience geological and geomorphological processes in a way that generates appreciation and understanding of the environment.

The Port Smith area lies within the recently declared Karajarri Indigenous Protected Area and faces a number of visitor-related challenges including unmanaged tourist access and access in restricted areas, environmental pressures (notably overfishing) and lack of recognition of Karajarri cultural authority.

Much of the Kimberley coast and its waters are part of existing or proposed marine parks (Figure1). In addition, the majority of this area is also subject to native title determined or claimed areas.

Conservation management typically focuses on protecting wildlife habitat that is linked to important behaviours, such as resting, breeding or caring for young. Understanding the timing of these behaviours, and where they take place, is critical to determining appropriate management measures to protect key life processes of wildlife populations.

Quokkas have been isolated on Rottnest Island over the last 7,000 years, since sea levels rose and cut off connectivity with the mainland. The island has a high density of animals. In autumn, after a hot and dry summer, if animals do not have sufficient body reserves, they can be particularly challenged to survive.