Putting science in its place: The role of Sandringham Station in fostering arid zone science in Australia

摘要: For the past fifty years, Sandringham Station has provided a major focus for scientific work in southwestern Queensland, an arid region that includes Simpson Desert and Channel Country (together 'Desert Channels'). This paper explores role of place, chance private enterprise supporting science this region. Unlike other parts inland Australia, where government initiatives were prominent, Queensland's country was privately supported, research there had ecological or eco-physiological rather than economic focus. It began later elsewhere (1960s), its questions different from those framed stations set up to address agricultural pastoral imperatives. The location on edge between ephemeral wetlands anastomosing channels dune created ecotonal area rich animals adapted living Australian desert country, particular opportunity observe their adaptations boom-and-bust conditions. local observers, particularly station managers naturalists, been critical studying often cryptic region, ongoing support itself essential investigations mostly leasehold lands.