Holding numerous academic qualifications, David Mabberley has been a prodigious writer of (non-fiction) publications which include fourteen works on botanical subjects. With a specialist knowledge in plant taxonomy and ecology, Mabberley was Honorary Research Associate at Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens from 1995 to 2005. He has also been CEO of the conservation organisation, Greening Australia .
Mabberley has lived in Sydney (New South Wales) since 1996.