It is published by Wiley and is the official journal of the Ecological Society of Australia.

The journal addresses the commonality between ecosystems in Australia and many parts of southern Africa, South America, New Zealand, and Oceania.

For example, many species in the unique biotas of these regions share common Gondwana ancestors.

As of 2017[update], the editor-in-chief is Nigel Andrew (University of New England, New South Wales, Australia).

The Michael Bull prize, named after a long-time editor, is awarded yearly for the best student-led paper published in the journal.