Leaf to Reef

Biodiversity of Lady Elliot Island

The Reef Islands Initiative, launched in 2018 by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, is the largest reef habitat rehabilitation project of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

One key element of this project is the connection with multidisciplinary research group Leaf to Reef. This program is led by scientists from the University of the Sunshine Coast, University of Queensland, and Southern Cross University, in collaboration with Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

This partnership lead by researchers, supported by citizen science and powered by conservation actions aims to better understand the island and surrounding reef resilience in the face of climate change.

Science in Action

The research team visits Lady Elliot Island three times a year and has already uncovered several important scientific findings including identifying the world’s oldest known Red-Tailed Tropic Bird at 25+ years old and a brand-new fish species discovered!

1700 total manta rays identified across east coast of Australia in partnership with Project Manta

1 brand new fish species discovered ‘the Lady Elliot Island Shrimp Goby’

25 year old Red-Tailed Tropic Bird identified, oldest known on the Reef

800 species of vertebrate collated into the first of its kind Lady Elliot Island Field Guide Book

Explore the impact of restoration on Lady Elliot Island in this fact sheet - from turtle habitat growth and plant recovery to solar power and marine research.

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Leaf to Reef Research Topics

Bioblitz – recording island wildlife with help from citizen scientists

Turtle health checks including tagging, sampling, and monitoring juvenile populations

Manta ray studies using tagging and photo identification

Groundwater sampling investigating links between island revegetation and water health

Listening stations installed to reveal island connections and detect rare marine visitors

Bird counts to track populations, nutrient loads, and identifying new

Studying Red-tailed Tropicbirds through tagging, measurements, and observations

Genetic tests and song recordings to assess variability in Capricorn Silvereyes

Photographing, sampling, and measuring spot patterns of Epaulette Sharks

Discover the brand-new A Field Guide to the Vertebrates of Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef, created by Leaf to Reef.

Featuring over 800 species and more than six years of research, this stunning full-colour guide brings the island’s extraordinary wildlife to life, while documenting species new to science. Visit the website now to explore this groundbreaking resource and secure your copy.

Order your copy

Get Involved

Get involved with the Leaf to Reef program on Lady Elliot Island by sharing your wildlife sightings and photos! Whether you spot a rare bird, a turtle, or a manta ray, tagging the Leaf to Reef team on Facebook or Instagram helps support vital research. Citizen science contributions play a crucial role in protecting the island’s unique ecosystem.

Findings from the Reef

New Fish Species Discovered

A previously unknown species now named the Lady Elliot Shrimp Goby, was found while mapping the changing biodiversity on and around Lady Elliot Island in 2023.

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Red Tailed Tropic Bird Lady Elliot Island

Oldest Red-tailed Tropic Bird found on Lady Elliot Island

Leaf to Reef Researchers have found what may be the worlds oldest nesting red-tailed tropic bird at 25 years of age.

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