Hedley Herbert Finlayson

Hedley Herbert Finlayson (1895–1991) was an Australian mammalogist, author and photographer. Associated with the South Australian Museum, he is recognised for his extensive surveys and research on mammals in Central Australia and systematically documenting the knowledge of the Indigenous peoples of the region.

Early life Born in the Australian city of Adelaide, the fourth of the five surviving children of Finette (Nettie) Finlayson née Champion, wife of Ebenezer Finlayson, an influential financier, political activist and writer at state newspaper The Register. He was schooled at Kyre College in Mitcham, South Australia (now Scotch College), and studied science at the University of Adelaide.

Finlayson supplemented his own private collection with specimens he obtained on his expeditions, and this is said to have caused a rift with the directors of the South Australian Museum.