Current Projects
Electromagnetic Energy (EME) and wildlife
The installation of new mobile telephone towers can often generate controversy. Optus/Daly International recently contracted us to investigate the effects of EME on wildlife. Our investigation has taken the form of an extensive review of the peer-reviewed scientific literature, with a focus that ranges through a spectrum of biological complexity from simple cellular organisms to higher vertebrate taxa. EME is a complex phenomenon that required us, amongst other things, to become familiar with the science of telecommunication. Our review was completed late in 2009 and will be uploaded to our website shortly.
Koalas in the southeast forests
We continue our collaboration with the NSW Dept. of Environment & Climate Change in the ongoing task of cencusing the forests of south-eastern NSW. Results from the pilot study were very successful; a number of koala population cells were identified and our technique of regularised grid-based SAT (RG-B SAT) sampling is now being widely applied throughout the area. Survey work through 2008 focussed on the Bermagui and Wapengo/Mumbulla Mountain areas with mixed results. While the Bermagui data has yielded poor returns, that from Wapengo/Mumbulla has been especially rewarding, detecting additional activity cells close to those that were found in 2007, including clear evidence of females with young. We are currently engaged in analysis of tree use data and updating of koala metapopulation boundaries for both areas.
East Kempsey Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management
During 2008 we were engaged by Kempsey Shire Council to prepare a CKPoM for the eastern portion of their LGA, an area of approximately 110,000ha. Amongst other things, our work involved an analysis of historical records and an extensive field sampling component. Results to date have confirmed some population attrition and the presence of a widespread, low-density koala population in the south. Preferred koala food trees identified by our study include Tallowwood, Swamp Mahogany, Forest Red Gum, Grey Gum and White Stringybark. The Tallowwood data we collected for Kempsey has proved most interesting; while this species can be statistically isolated as that species most preferred by koalas, it's use on low nutrient substrates is strongly size-class dependent (bigger trees more preferred). The draft CKPoM was submitted to Council earlier this year.
Repco Motor Rally
We have been engaged by Repco Rally Australia to prepare a Review of Environmental Factors and other statutory ecological assessments relating to Development Applications for a proposed motor rally on roads throughout the Kyogle and Tweed LGAs during September 2009. This work presents a number of novel challenges given that it is focussed on the existing road network and does not require habitat modification and/or removal. Indeed, our primary focus is on both assessing the potential for (in the first instance) and then reducing (as required) the risk of motor vehicle strike. In order to do this objectively and amongst other things, we have developed a project-specific risk assessment matrix for all threatened species that occur in the vicinity of areas likely to be used for rallying purposes, and are currently undertaking the field assessments that will be informing the process of risk assessment.
Springbrook Plateau Potoroos
Following on from our earlier work at Apple Tree Flat, we continue to work with staff from Gold Coast City Council to survey additional areas for Long-nosed Potoroo activity within Council's conservation areas. Last year we completed a grid-based hair funnel survey at a site in the Numinbah Valley and most recently (February) commenced sampling of Council's "Friendship Park" area at Carricks Road.
Sancrox Ecological Assessment
We have recently been contracted by Port Macquarie Hastings Council to undertake a peer-review of various ecological studies and Koala Plans of Management for the Sancox area between Port Macquarie and Wauchope on the north coast on NSW. Our review is required to inform longer-term Master Planning and associated LES/LEP processes within a matrix of largely rural residential, horticultural, industrial and bushland areas. A number of threatened species and endangered ecological communities occur in the study area.
Hair Analysis
This is ongoing project work reflecting the technical support role that we provide other consultancies in addition to that arising from our own survey work. Our client base for hair analysis continues to grow, as does our reference collection and knowledge of such things as intra-specific and geographical variation in some of the key characters used to identify individual species. While much of our work is local (i.e. southeast Queensland & northern NSW) we have also analysed material from localities as far afield as WA.
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