Vale Edward McNabb
By Andrew Skeoch
I was deeply saddened to hear of Edward (Ed) McNabb’s recent passing. Although I’d only met him at a few AWSRG gatherings, his gentleness, warm sense of humour, knowledge and passion for nature communicated to all who knew him. His knowledge of temperate nocturnal fauna in particular was extensive, and his research pioneering.
The following tribute has been prepared by Bill Rankin.
Edward McNabb (1944–2025) was a dedicated wildlife ecologist whose passion for nocturnal fauna left an indelible mark on conservation efforts across Victoria and beyond. Through his meticulous research and unwavering commitment, he illuminated the lives of creatures often overlooked, ensuring they found a place in ecological understanding and public awareness.
McNabb’s career spanned decades, shaping the study of owls and arboreal mammals in Australia’s forests. As a senior scientist with Victoria’s Department of Sustainability and Environment from 1996 to 2012, he led teams surveying more than 2,000 public land sites. His expertise not only contributed to biodiversity conservation but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the intricate balance within ecosystems.
In 1994, he founded Ninox Pursuits Environmental Services, a consultancy firm that also served as a publishing platform for his research and observations. Works such as Nightlife of the Dandenong and Nightlife of Australia’s South-eastern Forests captured the richness of nocturnal wildlife, bringing these elusive creatures into the light. His fascination with frogs led to the release of Frog Calls of Melbourne, a CD that became a popular resource for enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Beyond his professional achievements, his connection with the Australian Wildlife Sound Recording Group began in 2001 at their biennial workshop on Lady Elliot Island, where his enthusiasm and generosity quickly endeared him to fellow naturalists.
Edward McNabb’s legacy is one of dedication and passion — a legacy that lives on in every one of his recorded calls, in every published insight, and in the memories of those who knew him. Though the forests may now hold his silence, the echoes of his work remains, ensuring that future generations will continue to learn, listen, and appreciate the nocturnal world he so loved.
