Dr Graham Saunders

Conservationist / Entomologist

Graham Saunders was an entomologist and conservationist who played a significant role in the establishment of the national parks system in Queensland. Early work for the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Stock (later Primary Industries) included focussing on pests targeting tobacco, bananas, citrus, tomatoes and pasture crops, particularly in northern Queensland. His research into the funnel ant found that they were better controlled by reduction of grazing pressure than use of insecticides and led to improvements in pasture management practices. In 1975, Saunders was appointed inaugural director of the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service, in which role he balanced the expectations of mining, logging and agricultural interests with those of conservation groups. He represented the Queensland Government in international forums, was a trustee for the World Wildlife Fund (Australia) and was a member of the Great Barrier Reef Consultative Committee. In 2000, a reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was named in his honour.