Latest news with #EasternQuoll
The Irish Sun
17-07-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Remarkable glow in the dark creature captured on camera in the wild ‘for first time' as it lights up in a neon blue
THE endangered Eastern Quoll has been caught on camera glowing a neon blue in its natural habitat for the first time. The creature might look unassuming at first, but Tasmanian photographer Ben Alldridge has captured it glowing in the bush. Advertisement 2 Tasmanian photographer Ben Alldridge Credit: Instagram/benjaminalldridge The blue glowing effect is due to the animal's fur absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emitting visible colours, according to Alldridge. But because the effect is invisible to the human eye, it has barely been studied. It's a phenomenon known to occur in various mammals, including the Tasmanian devil and wombats. Although it has not been widely documented in the wild. Advertisement READ MORE ON ANIMALS "Where their fur is normally fawn or black, under certain wavelengths of light, they exhibit a process referred to as biofluorescence - like nature's version of a white shirt glowing at a disco," Alldridge told the The snaps were taken on a camping trip last year, when Alldridge travelled to a remote area of Southwest Tasmania and was able to get close to a family of Eastern Quolls. Alldridge, a former marine biologist, has been studying biofluorescence for years, so he happened to have the right UV equipment to capture their biofluorescence. Why exactly some animals exhibit biofluorescence - or bioluminescence - is not fully understood. Advertisement Most read in Tech Breaking Breaking Although experts believe it's biological purpose is likely related to communication, camouflage, or mating - especially in low-light conditions. Many nocturnal animals can see UV light or have vision sensitive to blue and green wavelengths, so fluorescence might be a visual signal they can use while remaining less visible to predators. Watch as terrifying Devil Fish normally found in total darkness 6,000ft deep is filmed for FIRST time near hols island "I'd say it's likely a messaging or identifying system similar to our fingerprints, but that is wild speculation at best," he said. "For now we will just say they like to party." Advertisement The remarkable photo is one of 12 finalists for the 2025 Beaker Street Science Photography Prize. Alldridge captured the image using specialised UV-sensitive techniques to see the Eastern Quoll turn from grey to a neon blue. He had previously captured images of the glowing marsupials at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, but never in the wild. "This year's finalists really capture what Beaker Street is all about. Making science visible, beautiful and emotionally resonant," festival founder and executive director, Dr Margo Adler, said. Advertisement "These photographs let us see the world differently, and in some cases, quite literally reveal things we've never seen before." 2 The blue glowing effect is due to the animal's fur absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emitting visible colours, according to Alldridge Credit: SWNS
Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Remarkable glow in the dark creature captured on camera in the wild ‘for first time' as it lights up in a neon blue
Because the effect is invisible to the human eye, it has barely been studied. GLOWING REVIEW Remarkable glow in the dark creature captured on camera in the wild 'for first time' as it lights up in a neon blue Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE endangered Eastern Quoll has been caught on camera glowing a neon blue in its natural habitat for the first time. The creature might look unassuming at first, but Tasmanian photographer Ben Alldridge has captured it glowing in the bush. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Tasmanian photographer Ben Alldridge Credit: Instagram/benjaminalldridge The blue glowing effect is due to the animal's fur absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emitting visible colours, according to Alldridge. But because the effect is invisible to the human eye, it has barely been studied. It's a phenomenon known to occur in various mammals, including the Tasmanian devil and wombats. Although it has not been widely documented in the wild. "Where their fur is normally fawn or black, under certain wavelengths of light, they exhibit a process referred to as biofluorescence - like nature's version of a white shirt glowing at a disco," Alldridge told the Daily Mail. The snaps were taken on a camping trip last year, when Alldridge travelled to a remote area of Southwest Tasmania and was able to get close to a family of Eastern Quolls. Alldridge, a former marine biologist, has been studying biofluorescence for years, so he happened to have the right UV equipment to capture their biofluorescence. Why exactly some animals exhibit biofluorescence - or bioluminescence - is not fully understood. Although experts believe it's biological purpose is likely related to communication, camouflage, or mating - especially in low-light conditions. Many nocturnal animals can see UV light or have vision sensitive to blue and green wavelengths, so fluorescence might be a visual signal they can use while remaining less visible to predators. Watch as terrifying Devil Fish normally found in total darkness 6,000ft deep is filmed for FIRST time near hols island "I'd say it's likely a messaging or identifying system similar to our fingerprints, but that is wild speculation at best," he said. "For now we will just say they like to party." The remarkable photo is one of 12 finalists for the 2025 Beaker Street Science Photography Prize. Alldridge captured the image using specialised UV-sensitive techniques to see the Eastern Quoll turn from grey to a neon blue. He had previously captured images of the glowing marsupials at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, but never in the wild. "This year's finalists really capture what Beaker Street is all about. Making science visible, beautiful and emotionally resonant," festival founder and executive director, Dr Margo Adler, said. "These photographs let us see the world differently, and in some cases, quite literally reveal things we've never seen before."
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Remarkable glow in the dark creature captured on camera in the wild ‘for first time' as it lights up in a neon blue
THE endangered Eastern Quoll has been caught on camera glowing a neon blue in its natural habitat for the first time. The creature might look unassuming at first, but Tasmanian photographer Ben Alldridge has captured it glowing in the bush. The blue glowing effect is due to the animal's fur absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emitting visible colours, according to Alldridge. But because the effect is invisible to the human eye, it has barely been studied. It's a phenomenon known to occur in various mammals, including the Tasmanian devil and wombats. Although it has not been widely documented in the wild. "Where their fur is normally fawn or black, under certain wavelengths of light, they exhibit a process referred to as biofluorescence - like nature's version of a white shirt glowing at a disco," Alldridge told the Daily Mail. The snaps were taken on a camping trip last year, when Alldridge travelled to a remote area of Southwest Tasmania and was able to get close to a family of Eastern Quolls. Alldridge, a former marine biologist, has been studying biofluorescence for years, so he happened to have the right UV equipment to capture their biofluorescence. Why exactly some animals exhibit biofluorescence - or bioluminescence - is not fully understood. Although experts believe it's biological purpose is likely related to communication, camouflage, or mating - especially in low-light conditions. Many nocturnal animals can see UV light or have vision sensitive to blue and green wavelengths, so fluorescence might be a visual signal they can use while remaining less visible to predators. Watch as terrifying Devil Fish normally found in total darkness 6,000ft deep is filmed for FIRST time near hols island "I'd say it's likely a messaging or identifying system similar to our fingerprints, but that is wild speculation at best," he said. "For now we will just say they like to party." The remarkable photo is one of 12 finalists for the 2025 Beaker Street Science Photography Prize. Alldridge captured the image using specialised UV-sensitive techniques to see the Eastern Quoll turn from grey to a neon blue. He had previously captured images of the glowing marsupials at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, but never in the wild. "This year's finalists really capture what Beaker Street is all about. Making science visible, beautiful and emotionally resonant," festival founder and executive director, Dr Margo Adler, said. "These photographs let us see the world differently, and in some cases, quite literally reveal things we've never seen before." 2
AU Financial Review
14-07-2025
- Science
- AU Financial Review
Glowing quoll shortlisted for science photography prize
A never-before-captured 'biofluorescing' Eastern Quoll is among the 12 finalists of this year's Beaker Street Science Photography Prize to be exhibited at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery from August 6 to 31. Photographer Ben Alldridge used UV-sensitive techniques to capture the endangered species glowing in the dark for the first time.
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Science
- Scoop
2025 Beaker Street Science Photography Finalists Announced
A glowing quoll in the Tasmanian wilderness, the first documentation of its kind, leads a striking line-up of finalists announced today for the 2025 Beaker Street Science Photography Prize. Captured by photographer Ben Alldridge using specialised UV-sensitive techniques, the image reveals the Eastern Quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) biofluorescing in its natural habitat. While many animals are known to glow under ultraviolet light, this is the first time the phenomenon has been recorded in the wild for this endangered species. The image forms part of ongoing research into the impacts of light pollution on native wildlife. This remarkable photograph is one of 12 finalist images that will be exhibited at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) from 6 to 31 August as part of Beaker Street Festival. Each image tells a powerful scientific story, spanning microscopic exploration, ecological discovery and rarely seen natural phenomena. Visitors to the free TMAG exhibition will be invited to vote for their favourite image in the People's Choice category, with winners to be announced at the end of the exhibition. 'This year's finalists really capture what Beaker Street is all about. Making science visible, beautiful and emotionally resonant,' said Festival Founder and Executive Director Dr Margo Adler. 'These photographs let us see the world differently, and in some cases quite literally reveal things we've never seen before.' From dark sky conservation and photosynthesising sea slugs to auroras, slime moulds and high-speed wildlife drama, this year's finalists offer a visual reminder of the wonder, complexity and fragility of the world around us. 2025 Beaker Street Science Photography Prize Finalists include: Ben Alldridge – The Magic Rat and His Slick Machine – The first wild documentation of an Eastern Quoll's biofluorescence Sarah Lloyd – Slime Moulds: Overlooked and Underestimated – Capturing micro-organisms critical to nutrient cycling Alison McNeice – PhotosyntheSlug – A sea slug that photosynthesises via kleptoplasty David Nolan – Milky Way over Waterworks Reserve – Highlighting the importance of dark sky conservation Jordan Cripps – Your Hand in Mine – Aurora Australis over the Tessellated Pavement Chelsea Bell – Crystalline Forest – Frost formation on Nothofagus gunnii leaves Nicolas Horniblow – Sea Spider – Macrophotography of Tasmania's Pallenella ambigua Kelli Miller – Inner Terrain – Microscopy revealing polymerised protein puddles in blood Deon Scanlon – Aerodynamic Attraction – Capturing the wonder of birds in flight Rosa Maria Cañedo-Apolaya – Keep Swimming… This is My Spot – Documenting territorial fish behaviour Lily Barnett – Lunch Time – A white-bellied sea eagle stealing prey from a fur seal Matilda Francis (Under 12) – Liken the Lichen – A young photographer's close-up of lichen at Mt Field The Judges' Choice winner will receive a $200 voucher to spend on food and wine at Frogmore Creek Cellar Door and Restaurant in Richmond, while the People's Choice winner will enjoy a wilderness cruise for two adults with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. The Science Photography Prize is one of many public highlights of Beaker Street Festival, a week-long celebration of science and art held across Tasmania from 12 to 19 August. With more than 70 events, the 2025 program includes headline talks, immersive field trips, after-dark adventures and quirky experiences such as a nightclub for sexual health, slime mould safaris and a live onstage dating show. Beaker Street Festival invites curious minds of all backgrounds to explore the world through science, story and connection. Beaker Street Festival is presented by Beaker Street, an independent charitable cultural organisation building community through scientific understanding in Lutruwita/Tasmania. Beaker Street Festival is supported by the following Major Partners: the Tasmanian Government, City of Hobart, the Australian Government as part of National Science Week, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. The Science Photography Prize is sponsored by the Pennicott Foundation, and supported by Full Gamut and Cam Blake Photography. About Beaker Street Festival Beaker Street Festival is a week-long celebration of science and art in Lutruwita/Tasmania each August. Now in its eighth year, Beaker Street Festival promises a mix of wonder, flavour, and scientifically proven fun. The Festival invites adults from all walks of life to delve into today's hottest topics with a packed program of science-infused experiences, mind-expanding entertainment and intimate eco-adventures, while experiencing the best of Tasmanian environments and culture.
