Irynej Skira (1950-2005): a scientific life

• Main Author: Ryan, Lyndall
• Other Authors: The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Education & Arts, School of Humanities and Social Science
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Royal Society of Tasmania 2008
• Subjects: Dr Irynej Skira; Short-tailed Shearwaters (Puffinus tenuirostris); wildlife; Tasmania; Mutton; Macquarie Island; Puffinus tenuirostris
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/40607

The unexpected death of wildlife biologist, Dr Irynej Skira, at the age at the age of 54 in February 2005, sent shockwaves through the scientific community. His longitudinal study of Short-tailed Shearwaters (Puffinus tenuirostris), also known as mutton-birds, was about to receive international recognition, while his recent second marriage appeared to open up a new chapter in his personal life. Who was this remarkable man, what was his contribution to science and what is his legacy? This article draws upon the funeral notes and memories of his family, friends and colleagues, to provide an overview of his personal and professional life. It shows how his two periods of fieldwork on Macquarie Island developed his interest in wildlife biology and how he extended it to assume responsibility for the longitudinal study of shearwaters. It explores his particular contribution to the study over nearly three decades and then discusses his wider contribution to conservation and preservation of wildlife in Tasmania. The article concludes with an assessment of his legacy.