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Explore an epic story 65,000 years in the making

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Dive into Deep Time, an immersive story of the knowledge, art and ingenuity of Australia’s First Nations peoples — told like never before.

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The Seven Season of the Larrakia: Gulumoerrgin Seasonal Calendar

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The Seven Season of the Larrakia: Gulumoerrgin Seasonal Calendar

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This short film celebrates the annual cycle through distinctive stages of weather patterns, animal behaviour, vegetation and food sources, shared through the voices of Lorraine and Stephanie Williams. The film celebrates the Larrakia peoples’ deep connection to Country, and invites the audience to take a deeper look at the markers and indicators of seasonal changes within Australia’s natural landscapes beyond the European-influenced four-season calendar.

PRODUCER & CO-WRITERS Lorraine Williams Martin Potter

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CABAH - Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage

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The Seven Seasons of the Larrakia: Gulumoerrgin Seasonal Calendar

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Download this seasonal calendar

Download this seasonal calendar by first acknowledging our Terms and Conditions to help in the protection of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.

Note sufficient time (at least 4 weeks) must be given for informed consent consultation and to determine whether permission is granted or not.

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Download this seasonal calendar by first acknowledging our Terms and Conditions to help in the protection of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. Note sufficient time (at least 4 weeks) must be given for informed consent consultation and to determine whether permission is granted or not.

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See if you can find the images as well....

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Some facts and figures about Melville

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Info on all things invertebrate.

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Help us improve and take our Visitation survey (just 2 minutes of your time)

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Please check your browser's settings and make sure Javascript is turned on. Learn how to enable Javascript.

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Thoughtful questions from our MAGNT Card series (Available to borrow from the front desk)

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These nature journals are designed for Early Childhood F-2. The encourage students to practice scientific skills such as observation, sketching and comparison.

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MAGNT Field Guides: Junior Primary Activity Sheets

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MAGNT Field Guides: Junior Primary Activity Sheets

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Information about insects with some fun activities and ethical considerations for the collection of our tiniest Territorians.

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These Field guides based on our Transformations collection guide students to develop scientific skills such as observation, sketching and comparing.

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Be Crocwise

When it comes to crocodiles, the Northern Territory (NT) Government takes your safety seriously, but ultimately how you behave around crocodile habitats is your responsibility.

Any body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles.

Be Crocwise integrates public education and active crocodile management by the Northern Territory Government to reduce the risk of crocodile attacks in the Top End.
Report a crocodile

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When it comes to crocodiles, the Northern Territory (NT) Government takes your safety seriously, but ultimately how you behave around crocodile habitats is your responsibility. Any body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles.

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Communication

Estuarine Crocodiles communicate with each other using sound, visual and chemical signals. Hatchlings 'chirp' to gain the attention of their mother and to keep members of the creche together. Adults and juveniles may emit a low rumbling growl in response to a predator, and males will also growl to advertise their presence during the breeding season. Body posture is used as a visual form of communication, e.g. raising the snout to signal submission, tail arching as a threat display. Estuarine crocodiles may also communicate via chemical means, although to what extent is not clear. Glands underneath the chin and within the cloaca exude a 'musk' which may play a role in courtship or territorial marking.

Breeding behaviours

The buildup to the wet season in northern Australia stimulates courtship and mating behavior. As the reproductive season approaches, males advertise themselves in conspicuous displays intended to drive off rival males and stimulate receptive females. Male interaction includes chasing, head-slapping and growling, and can escalate to full-blown combat leading to serious injury and death. Females also become intolerant of other females and will jostle for dominance. Courtship observed in captive animals involved snout contact and rubbing, body-riding, vocalizing, bubbling and circling, with both partners constantly submerging and resurfacing. Copulation lasts up to 15min and may take place while totally submerged. In Arnhem Land, females are estimated to reach sexual maturity at a snout-vent length of about 110 cm and males at about 160 cm, however at that size they may be prevented from reproducing by larger dominant animals.

Nesting takes place throughout the wet season (from late October to May-June). The female selects a secluded area typically close to permanent water (usually within 20m), and constructs the nest by first making a clearing and then scraping piles of vegetation and earth together to form an elliptical mound up to 2.5m long and 80cm high. Some nests are built on floating mats of vegetation that extend out from the river bank. Once the mound is constructed the female digs an egg chamber and lays up to 71 hard-shelled eggs (average of around 50). The eggs are covered over and are incubated both by heat generated from the rotting vegetation and by solar radiation. In the Northern Territory, most nests have an adjacent "wallow", a muddy depression in which the female stays to guard the nest.

Despite fluctuating external conditions, the temperature in the egg chamber stays relatively stable, with the preferred temperature being around 31-32°C. Like other crocodilians, the sex of the developing embryos is determined by the incubation temperature - cooler temperatures tend to produce females and warmer temperatures produce males. If the temperature in the central part of the nest rises above about 33-34°C or goes below 26-28°C for very long, the embryos can be killed or experience deformities such as misalignment of the jaws, deformities of the spine, curling of the tail and an inability to absorb the yolk once it is enclosed within the body cavity.

The young hatch after 2-3 months, depending on the incubation temperature, and begin to 'chirp' to attract the attending female. After helping to dig out the hatchlings the female assists in carrying them in her mouth down to the water where she continues to protect them for some time.

Conservation status

Vulnerable (Queensland)

Specially protected (Western Australia)

Predators

Eggs are subject to predation by goannas and feral pigs, however unlike Freshwater Crocodiles this doesn't appear to be a major cause of eggs mortality, presumably due to the presence of the guarding female (Freshwater Crocodiles generally don't guard their nests). Most Estuarine Crocodiles eggs do not survive to hatching for other reasons, including infertility, flooding, overheating, poor gas exchange, and desiccation. It is estimated that up to 75% of eggs laid in a season will not hatch.

Young hatchlings may fall victim to birds of prey, large fish, freshwater turtles, and other crocodiles, and very few will make it to adulthood. Once they do they have little to fear besides larger crocodiles and humans. Prior to the 1970's Estuarine Crocodiles were hunted extensively for their skins and their numbers dwindled considerably. Since being protected they have made a spectacular comeback, reclaiming much of their original territory. Many though are still killed accidentally in fishing nets every year.

The species' recorded endoparasites include nematodes (round worms), pentastomids (tongue worms) and trematodes (flukes).

Management

Today, attempts are made to trap problem crocodiles and relocate them to crocodile farms rather than release them back in the wild (due to their homing ability they would otherwise return to their capture site). Education programs and warning signs along waterways aim to protect both people and crocodiles.

Limited numbers of crocodile eggs, juveniles and adults are taken from the wild every year to supply crocodile farms with breeding stock and animals for commercial harvesting (meat and skins).

Danger to humans

The Estuarine Crocodile is a top predator in its environment, and a large specimen is likely to consider humans as potential prey. Since receiving protection in the 1970's, Estuarine Crocodiles have steadily increased in number, and encounters with humans have become more frequent. Despite numerous crocodile warning signs around popular waterways, people choose to ignore the risks and many attacks and near-misses have resulted. Taking certain precautions in crocodile-inhabited areas greatly reduces the risk of encounter:

Obey all crocodile warning signs - they are there for a reason

Do not assume that a shallow pool, drainage canal or even a ditch is safe, especially if the water is muddy

Do not allow pet dogs to roam near the water. Supervise children at all times and explain the dangers

Do not walk around at night without a torch if fishing or camping near water

When camping, choose a site well away from the water, preferably on high ground. If camping on a beach, be aware that Estuarine Crocodiles sometimes come ashore at night

When fishing stand at least 3m back from the water's edge, and cut the line if it becomes entangled rather than wade in

Never leave animal carcasses, fish guts, etc. near where people swim, fish or moor boats

If boating do not allow arms or legs to dangle over the sides

Most attacks have occurred on swimmers or on people canoeing or bending down at the water's edge. This low profile seems to elicit a greater predatory response than from a person standing upright, even if in shallow water.

A person seized in the water by a Estuarine Crocodile has little chance of escaping without serious injury, if at all. Resulting wounds are usually horrific and likely to become infected.

References

Cogger, H. (2000) "Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia", Reed New Holland

Greer, A.E. (2006) "Encyclopedia of Australian Reptiles : Crocodylidae", Australian Museum

Ehmann, H. (1992) "Encyclopedia of Australian Animals : Reptiles", Australian Museum, Angus & Robertson

Webb, G. & Manolis, C. (1989) "Crocodiles of Australia", Reed Books

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Foundation - Yr 2 Teaching resource

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International Whaling Commision Blue Whale facts 

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International Whaling Commision Blue Whale facts 

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Megafauna: What killed Australia's giants?

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Megafauna: What killed Australia's giants?

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Includes teaching resources for the ABC TV series

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Megafauna: What Killed Australia’s Giants? - ABC Education

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Step into the ancient landscape of Australia’s past as we journey through time and explore the impressive extinct megafauna.

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Described by MAGNT's own Dr Adam Yates

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A species of prehistoric crocodile that once roamed the now arid landscape of central Australia has been named.

Baru iylwenpeny lived in central Australia eight million years ago

Fossils from the previously unnamed species have been found at the Alcoota fossil bed

Adam Yates says there are a number of anatomical differences between it and other Baru species

An article on a "new species of cleaver-headed crocodile" waspublished today in the online journal Papers in Paleontology.

Lead author and senior curator of earth sciences at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Adam Yates, named the crocodile Baru iylwenpeny.

Dr Yates said the species name was taken from the Anmetyerre language, meaning excellent and skilled hunter.

The animal's skull or holotype was found in 2009.

Dr Yates said it was the most complete skull of a Baru crocodile that had been found.

He said it was also the largest and most dangerous predator scientists had found at the Alcoota fossil bed, about 200 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs.

"We're very confident that the site dates to an epoch known as the late Miocene," Dr Yates said.

He said the era spanned from about 12 million years ago to five and a half million years ago.

"We think it falls pretty much in the middle of that range at about eight million," he said.

Dr Yates said the species of Baruwas the youngest they had found.

"Baru is actually a relatively common genus, or at least it was in Australia," he said.

"We find our oldest Baru species also here in the Northern Territory, in rocks that are about 25 million years old."

Anatomically different

Baru iylwenpeny has anatomical differences from other ancient Baru species.

Dr Yates said the differences gave the creature strength to prey on other megafauna such as the giant flightless bird Dromornis stirtini, which also roamed the same location during the same time.

"The main difference between the Alcoota Baru and the other older Barus is that it has bigger back teeth," Dr Yates said.

He said the newly named species also had a wider snout meaning there was more space at the front of the skull allowing for an extra tooth.

"All of these adaptations are pretty much giving it a bigger, stronger bite," he said.

Dr Yates said the predator would have preyed on most megafauna.

"It would've eaten whatever it wanted," he said.

'Just disappears'

Dr Yates said Baru iylwempeny was significant because it was the last of the genus Baruacross Australia and therefore not ancestral to modern-day crocodiles which had the genus classification of Crocodylus.

"It just disappears, but we do continue to get crocodiles," Dr Yates said.

"So it's not like the fossil record cuts out.

"The fossil record continues and crocodiles continue butBaruwas gone."

Dr Yates said environmental factors may have played a role in a number of crocodile extinctions across the world at the end of the Miocene epoch.

He said there was a pulse of rather severe, drying out which may have been somewhat temporary but enough to knock out the inland rivers.

Those climatic changes may have been long enough to cause the extinction of Baru.

"Then conditions returned somewhat, so things got wetter again, the inland rivers flow started to flow again and a cast of new crocodiles moved in to take the place of where Baru once used to swim," Dr Yates said.

Find more local news
Browse for your location and find more local ABC News and information

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museum and art gallery of the northern territory

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Eight-million-year-old outback predator named in honour of its hunting prowess

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Researchers say a newly named species of prehistoric crocodile that once roamed central Australia "would've eaten whatever it wanted".

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Amazing Bug activities for the class and home

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Amazing Bug activities for the class and home

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Years Kinder-Grade 4 Learn about the bugs in your backyard

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Interact with some invertebrates up close and personal

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Interact with some invertebrates up close and personal

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Click, drag and turn to look more closely at some common minibeasts.

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YEARS: F-2
Explore the body of a ladybird, an ant and a bee in this interactive to discover their superpowers.

Why are ladybird wings so colourful? What does the underside of an ant look like? How many eyes do bees have?

Acknowledgements

This interactive was produced by ABC Education and Pixelcase to accompany the animated series Minibeast Heroes.
Watch Minibeast Heroes on iview.
Copyright

© Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Interact with these Minibeasts! - ABC Education

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Explore the body of a ladybird, an ant and a bee in this interactive to discover their superpowers.

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Bug out with the friend of the tiniest Territorians

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They're small, but they have a huge impact on our planet!

A playful take on the superhero genre, this animated series explores the essential role of bugs. Join a tiny, jetpack-powered bug enthusiast to meet six minibeasts with unique superpowers and learn funny, fascinating and unforgettable facts.

Table of contents:

More resources

Visit the Minibeast Heroes website.
Discover the unique way the minibeast animations were produced. Great for learning about production technologies.

Watch the 360 video trailer on YouTube.
Meet the minibeasts in 360 video or immerse yourself using a VR headset.

Acknowledgement and credits

Copyright
Metadata © Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Education Services Australia Ltd 2012 (except where otherwise indicated).Digital content © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated).Video © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). All images copyright their respective owners. Text © Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Education Services Australia is licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Produced in association with Deakin Motion Lab, Armchair Productions and Pixelcase Group.

Talent
Performed by: Carl Smith

Production
Written by: Tim Bain
Directed by: Stefan Wernik
Story and concept by: Amy Nelson, Astrid Scott and Annabel Astbury
Producers: Amy Nelson and Astrid Scott
Executive Producer: Annabel Astbury

DEAKIN MOTION LAB (Motion Capture and Animation Services)
Line Producer: Jordan Beth Vincent
CG/ Animation Supervisor: Peter C. Divers
Production Coordinator: Deanne Czarnecki
Motion Capture Supervisor: Richard Burt
Production Pipeline Developer: Thomas Ingram
Production Pipeline Developer: Kieren Wallace
Technical Artist: James Furler
Motion Capture Operator/ Technical Artist: Shanique Hallgren
Animator: Richard Shilling
Layout Artist: Aaron Raeck
Rigging: Kasper Larsson
Additional motion capture performance: Stephen Phillips
Stand in movement testing: Myles Tankles

ARMCHAIR PRODUCTIONS (Character Design, 3D modelling, Rigging, Animation and FX)
Director: Stefan Wernik
3D character modelling: Tristan Lock
3D modelling, texturing, rigging and FX: Arthur Collie
Storyboards: Roii Lee
Additional icon design: Alexander Watson

PIXELCASE GROUP (Insect photogrammetry and 3D modelling)
Technical Director: John Colebrook
Head of Content: Sam Thurtle
Macro Photography: Kim Delaney
3D modelling: Aaron Munroe
3D modelling: Tomasz Wyszolmirski
Unity Development: Alex Tate
Production coordinator: Jo Micalleff

Graphic design: Noko WashiIyama & Amy Nelson
Sound: Mark Street
Foley: Gerard Long
Sound mix: Andrew Jobson
Offline editor: Sean Courtney Lewis
Online editor: Steve Clark

Minibeasts 3D learning tool
Produced by: Amy Nelson and Astrid Scott
UX and design: Amy Nelson
Editorial content by: Astrid Scott
ABC Education editor: Ara Sarafian
Photographed and developed by: Pixelcase Pty Ltd
ABC Education Production Manager: Colin Smith

Production Executive: Sacha Gregson
Production Coordinator: Wendy Blanche

Thanks to:
Ken Walker and Melbourne Museum
Kit Prendergast
John Feehan
Luke Thornton

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Join a tiny, jetpack-powered bug enthusiast to meet six minibeasts with unique superpowers and learn funny, fascinating and unforgettable facts.

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Great resources for little people.

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Teacher support materials

An outline of the resources supporting early years science and support materials for biology, physics and earth and space.

Curriculum links

A table mapping student resources against the Australian Curriculum: Science.

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Teacher support materials An outline of the resources supporting early years science and support materials for biology, physics and earth and space. Curriculum links A table mapping student resources against the Australian Curriculum: Science.

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Available from NLWild Nature Media and the The Store at the Museum.

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MAGNT has an Ichthyosaur, but it is not a dinosaur.

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An introduction to dinosaurs and what set them apart from other prehistoric reptiles.

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Amazing online representation of how living things are connected.

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Earth science resources for teachers, students and communities

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Want to find out more about what lies beneath our feet?

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Want to find out more about what lies beneath our feet?

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Feel like some field work? Here are some Activity ideas to get you started!

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Feel like some field work? Here are some Activity ideas to get you started!

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A variety of educational materials using the Atlas of Living Australia in K-12 classrooms have been provided. These activities are designed to cater to students from Foundation to Year 12, and teachers are encouraged to modify the lesson plans to suit their classes and local area.

Science Activities

The ALA classroom activities From Foundation through Year 8 guide teachers through suggested discussions with students, with the teacher initially demonstrating the Atlas to the class. The activities branch off from the discussion. From Years 9-12, the activities are set out under related topic headings. These activities form summaries of the topics using data in the ALA to provide local relevant examples. Though the students could use the User Guides themselves, we recommend the teacher demonstrate the use of the Atlas first.

Mathematics Activities

Representing data using tables and graphs is included in the Science Activities from Foundation to Year 8 listed above. However, below are some stand-alone Mathematics activities using the Atlas of Living Australia.

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Classroom activities using the Atlas of Living Australia

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A variety of educational materials using the Atlas of Living Australia in K-12 classrooms have been provided. These activities are designed to cater to students from Foundation to Year 12, and teachers are encouraged to modify the lesson plans to suit their classes and local area. Science Act

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Lesson plans for Years 3-10

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Australia has some of the world's most diverse nature and an array of wildlife that can't be found anywhere else.

But a 2017 study of more than 100 countries highlighted the fact that Australia is one of just seven nations responsible for more than 50 percent of global biodiversity loss. This means that some of the plant and animal life that Australia is known for is in danger of disappearing entirely. So what can be done to prevent this from happening?

Table of contents:

More resources

Download ATOM's Magical Land of Oz study guide (PDF) to find Classroom activities based on the breathtaking documentary series from ABC TV and think about what steps can be taken to preserve our ecosystems and their awesome inhabitants.

Acknowledgement and credits

Copyright
Metadata © Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2020 (except where otherwise indicated). Digital content © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). Video © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). All images copyright their respective owners. Text © Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Clips taken from the ABC TV series The Magical Land of Oz.

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Conservation in the Magical Land of Oz - ABC Education

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Curriculum matched clips from the ABC TV Series, celebrating diverse Australian wildlife and the conservation efforts to preserve our ecosystems.