During its long geological history Western Australia has drifted twice to the North Pole, to the South Pole and is now moving north again. It has been covered in rainforest. It is still evolving, and for all the plants, animals and micro-organisms that we know, there are as many or more still to be discovered and named. This book deals with the plants fungi and animals of Western Australia and their place in the environment, their evolution, their biology and their interaction. Scientists and managers are challenged to conserve an intensely rich, unique natural environment. An introductory chapter provides the most comprehensive overview yet written of the evolution of the Western Australian landscape, its flora and fauna. It addresses the effects of humans and discusses the prospects for conserving one of the world's great natural heritages.