Mary Gillham archive project gives glimpse of historical Aldabra |30 April 2018

Throughout the long history of pe ople’s interest in Aldabra many fascinating researchers and scientists have visited the atoll. One of these was Dr Mary E Gillham, described by her archivist as “a dedicated naturalist and conservation pioneer”.

While working as a lecturer at Cardiff University in 1970, Mary visited Aldabra. Her trip was sponsored by the Royal Society and she was part of the pioneering group that conducted some of the first ecological studies on the atoll.

Mary was on the atoll from mid-February to early May to study the relationship between the native vegetation and bird life.

Mary kept field diaries, took photos, made species sketches at various stages of development, wrote scientific papers, and otherwise recorded many of the details of her visit. These have now been archived, digitised, and made available for your viewing pleasure! The full Mary Gillham Archive Project can be found at: https://www. marygillhamarchiveproject.com/; and the content specific to Aldabra is at: https://www.marygillhamarchiveproject.com/internationaltravels/ aldabra/.

SIF