Gerard Krefft

Curator and scientist

Johann Ludwig (Louis) Gerard Krefft (17 February 1830 – 19 February 1881), a talented artist and draughtsman, and Curator of the Australian Museum for 13 years (1861-1874), was one of Australia's first and most influential zoologists and palaeontologists.

According to Macdonald, et al. (2007), Krefft "was among the first to raise the alarm" in relation to "the devastating effects" of the invasive species, such as "sheep, cats, etc., on native species".

Also, along with significant others, such as the proprietor of the Melbourne Argus, Edward Wilson, Krefft expressed considerable concern in relation to the effects of the expanding European settlement upon the indigenous population.

In addition to his numerous scientific papers, his publications include The Snakes of Australia (1869), Guide to the Australian Fossil Remains in the Australian Museum (1870), The Mammals of Australia (1871), and Catalogue of the Minerals and Rocks in the Australian Museum (1873).

He is also noted for his scientific description of the Queensland lungfish. "Gerard Krefft is a significant figure in the history of nineteenth century Australian science.

He is celebrated not only for his zoological work but as a man who was prepared to challenge individuals on points of scientific fact regardless of their position in Sydney society or metropolitan science.

He is also remembered as one who could be abrasive and incautious in delicate political situations and a man whose career and life ultimately ended in tragedy.

The dramatic end of Krefft’s career in 1874 — where he was stripped of his position as Australian Museum curator, physically removed from the Museum and his character assassinated — often overshadows his early career and his development as a scientist." (Stephens, 2013, p.187)