Conservation volunteering | Wildlife Volunteer | Biosphere Expeditions 1-week projects Australia - marsupials

Marsupials galore: protecting quokkas, quolls and quendas in Western Australia’s Walpole Wilderness. Wildlife conservation holiday volunteering with marsupials (quokka, quoll, quenda) in Western Australia. Price/dates/status This conservation project will take you to the beautiful Walpole Wilderness Area biodiversity hotspot in Western Australia to study and protect threatened native Australian marsupials (the quokka, quoll and quenda). Working in the majestic Southern Forests of towering karri, tingle and jarrah trees, you will survey the area for suitable habitat, capture and release the animals, radio tag them, follow their movements and study their habits. You will be part of a small international team, based at comfortable and modern chalets inside the Walpole Wilderness and working with the local scientist on an important native fauna conservation project. All in an effort improve local management efforts of these marsupial species and the unique Western Australian ecosystem of which they are part.   PRICE = Expedition contribution (land only per slot) £1280 (approx. €1590 | US$2030 | AU$1940). Please note: expedition contributions are quoted in British pound sterling and the approximate Euro and US Dollar equivalent. Try the XE currency converter for other currencies and an up to date Euro and US Dollar exchange rate. Get your employer to support your conservation work with us and/or receive personal tax benefits. Where does my money go and other money questions.  Dates 2014: 25 January - 2 February (8 nights). Team members can join for multiple slots (within the periods specified). How long can I join for? Status Green: Expeditions of status green have spaces available. Terrain Hilly forest with some mountain outcrops. Weather expected during expedition Temperate Mediterranean climate with temperatures between 16 and 30ºC and little rain. Expedition base The expedition base comprises modern and comfortable chalets inside the forest and complete with a resident mob of Western grey kangaroos. Each chalet has a lounge with a wood fire, washing machine, fully equipped kitchen and a private spa. Single, twin and double accommodation is available on request. Team size Up to 12 team members + 1 local scientist + 1 expedition leader. Skills & prerequisites required None. You don't need to be a scientist or have any special qualifications - everyone can take part. Can laypeople really be of help to serious research & conservation projects? Fitness level required Ability to walk about 5 - 10 km per day in hilly, forested terrain with regular breaks for data collection. Will it be for me or am I too old/young/unfit? Team assembly point Albany, a major and easily accessible city on the south coast of Western Australia, about 400 km from Perth. What about carbon neutrality and other environmental and social impact? Who books my flights? And finally Our expeditions are not about playing the primitive, neither are we a military style 'boot-camp'. Our expedition leader and the local scientist will be by your side and we believe strongly that we get the best out of our expedition teams by making them comfortable, safe and well fed. You won’t be living in the lap of luxury, but we will do our best to make you feel comfortable and at home in your working environment, as this is the key to a well-balanced and successful expedition. Details Aims & objectives This project will enable broad areas within the Walpole Wilderness to be surveyed for three threatened marsupial species - the quokka, quoll and quenda - in an effort to improve knowledge of their distribution and conservation status. The outcome will be improved management of critical habitat, which will maximise the likelihood of the long-term survival of not only these three threatened species, but also the unique Western Australian ecosystems of which they are a part. Specific aims are: (1) To determine the distribution and occupancy patterns, population density, population health and conservation status for the quokka (Setonix brachyurus), quoll (Dasyurus geofroii) and quenda (Isoodon obesulus fusciventer) in the Walpole Wilderness Area. (2) To improve knowledge of important ecological interactions, current threats, habitat requirements and movement patterns for these species. (3) To create or improve management plans to ensure the survival of these threatened species in the wild. Background The quokka is a small wallaby in the kangaroo family (Macropodidae) and listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. It is restricted to the south west of Western Australia and two near-shore islands. On the mainland, quokkas are threatened by introduced animals such as foxes, cats and feral pigs, loss of habitat, inappropriate fire regime and climate change. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) of Western Australia (WA) has undertaken some monitoring of quokkas in the Walpole Wilderness area. This work has established that quokkas currently occur at low densities in fragmented populations throughout the Walpole Wilderness.  More work is required to quantify distribution, abundance and threats, and to determine whether the fragmented populations function as a meta-population or individual groups that need to be managed as isolated populations.   The Western quoll or chuditch is the largest carnivorous marsupial found in Western Australia and is also listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Populations of this species declined dramatically after European settlement due to habitat loss and introduction of the European fox. By the time that a recovery plan was prepared in 1994, the chuditch was considered to occur in just 5% of its original range. Chuditch are known to be sparsely distributed over large areas and a considerable amount of effort is required at these locations to confirm the presence of the species. In the Walpole Wilderness there are only two known populations of chuditch, but there are large areas of forest that have never been surveyed. The animals have large home ranges and as population dynamics change, DEC’s long-term monitoring transects no longer cross the home range of individual animals. Broader surveys are therefore required to determine distribution, abundance and population health of this species in the Walpole Wilderness.  The quenda or Southern brown bandicoot is a small omnivorous marsupial that has a special ‘conservation dependent’ status in Western Australia. The main threats to its survival are the continued loss of habitat through urban expansion and clearing, and their susceptibility to predation and disturbance by introduced animals such as foxes, cats and pigs. Records collected by DEC over the past few years suggest that this species is declining in the Southern Forests of Western Australia and it is important to determine whether this observation is reflected in population trends and if so what the causal factors are.  Study species Quokka (Setonix brachyurus), Western quoll or chuditch (Dasyurus geofroii), quenda or Southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus fusciventer). Other species present, all in the forested habitat of Western Australia’s Southern Forests: Western grey kangaroo, woylie (or brush-tailed bettong), Western brush wallaby, brush-tailed phascogale, brush-tail possum, honey possum, Western pygmy possum, mardo. These species often coexist with the target species and many of them will benefit from increased knowledge of ecological interactions and improved management of habitat in which they occur. Walpole Wilderness has a rich array of forest birds, from eagles to colourful fairy wrens and robins. Typical day Specific activities of surveys, trapping/release, radio tracking, etc. are usually decided the night before. The whole set-up of the expedition is organised on a quite flexible shift so that you can participate according to the weather, your skills and general fitness and how you feel on the day. Your typical day may consist of taking your survey group’s vehicle into the bush to (1) walk a transect in the forest during the day or night (2) radio-track quokkas during the day or night, or (3) set up or check traps. Most research groups will return to the field base for the night where food is prepared by the expedition cook, but there will also be overnight research activities (and team members involved in those can catch up on sleep after their night shift). Please note that every member of the expedition can be rotated through all activities. Expedition base The expedition will be based in very modern and comfortable chalets on a privately owned rural property of 68 hectares of karri and tingle forests, just 15 minutes north of Walpole and complete with a resident mob of Western grey kangaroos. Each chalet has panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, three bedrooms, a lounge with a wood fire, washing machine, fully equipped kitchen, a private spa and the inevitable BBQ facilities. Single, twin and double accommodation is available on request.   A cook will prepare dinner each day and there will be a buffet breakfast each morning from which you will make your own lunch pack for the day in the field. All meals are provided as part of your expedition contribution and vegetarians and special diets can be catered for.  Research area Although most of Australia is semi-arid or desert, it includes a diverse range of habitats from alpine heaths to tropical rainforests, and is recognised as a megadiverse country. Because of the continent's great age, its extremely variable weather patterns, and its long-term geographic isolation, much of Australia's biota is unique and diverse. About 85% of flowering plants, 84% of mammals, more than 45% of birds, and 89% of in-shore, temperate-zone fish are endemic. Australia has the greatest number of reptiles of any country, with 755 species. Many of Australia's ecoregions, and the species within those regions, are threatened by human activities and introduced plant and animal species. The federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is a legal framework for the protection of threatened species. Numerous protected areas have been created under the national Biodiversity Action Plan to protect and preserve unique ecosystems; 64 wetlands are registered under the Ramsar Convention, and 16 World Heritage Sites have been established. The Walpole Wilderness Area is a group of conservation reserves in a vast natural and wild landscape on the south coast of Western Australia. The Walpole Wilderness forms a world-class network of reserves totalling almost 363,333 hectares including national parks, nature reserves and other reserves. Inside the area old majestic jarrah, karri and tingle forests surround imposing granite peaks, peaceful rivers, wetlands and tranquil inlets, and overlook picturesque sandy beaches, sheer coastal cliffs and the Southern Ocean. The Walpole Wilderness Area is recognised as an important component of an international biodiversity hotspot, containing natural values such as wilderness, tingle forest, a threatened and highly endemic and relict flora and fauna, threatened ecological communities, old growth forests and wetlands. Inside the study site and the Walpole Wilderness is Walpole-Nornalup National Park, famous for its towering karri and tingle trees, two of the world's largest trees. Red Tingle trees are unique to the Walpole area, the only eucalypts to be buttressed, have evolved to cope with bush fires and can withstand low level fires. Also within the study site is Mount Frankland National Park, another famous landmark that encompasses the forest- and heathland-covered spectacular granite hills to the North of the town of Walpole, not far from the expedition base. Partners Our partner on this project is the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). DEC has the lead responsibility for protecting and conserving the State’s environment on behalf of the people of Western Australia. This includes managing the state’s national parks, marine parks, conservation parks, state forests and timber reserves, nature reserves, marine nature reserves and marine management areas. The department’s key responsibilities include roles in conserving terrestrial and marine biodiversity, facilitating visitation and protecting, managing, regulating and assessing many aspects of the use of the State’s natural resources. Corporate support comes from Swarovski Optik and Snowgum. Maps Map of the region and study site. Google map of all Biosphere Expeditions study sites, expedition bases, assembly points, office locations, etc. Pictures Quokka, a marsupial in the kangaroo family (Macropodidae) and primary study species. Quokka with juvenile. Quokka with telemetry collar.. Picture courtesy of Karlene Bain. Quokkas caught by a camera trap. Picture courtesy of Karlene Bain.   Quoll, sometimes also known as "native cat" because of the niche it occupies, a carnivorous marsupial and primary study species. Quoll. Quenda, a marsupial that might be better known by Australians as the " southern brown bandicoot" and primary study species. Quenda.   Quenda release after trapping. Pygmy possum in torpor. View over the Walpole Wilderness study site from Mount Frankland. Mount Frankland. Expedition vehicle inside the forested study site.  Inside the forest.  Inside the forest.  Inside the forest. Inside the forest.  View of the forest from base.  Kangaroos hanging out on the expedition base lawn.   Expedition base chalet. Expedition base chalet. Chalet verandah. Chalet sitting room.  Chalet bedroom.  Chalet bathroom. Chalet hot tub. Lake at base. Morning mist at base. Sunrise at base. Expedition scientist with rescued kangaroo. Setting a trap. Recording data. Telemetry. Recording marsupial signs. Walking a transect and recording species. Recording a GPS point. Sunset over forest & lake.     More images on    Video Meet the scientist. Tour around the expedition base. Landscapes of Walpole Wilderness (the expeditions' study site). Watch more Western Australia expedition clips on YouTube.   Press Feel the warm and fuzzies at Walpole in English  View article 2.35 Mb Great way to see Australia in English  View article 717.30 Kb Voluntourismus in Westaustralien in German  View article 537.87 Kb Also: some coverage of a previous expedition to Western Australia working on turtles.  Hands-on with turtle research on a remote West Australian beach in English  View article 315.13 Kb A touch of shell shock in English  View article 628.51 Kb Discovering Australia's own sea turtle in English  View article 2.46 Mb A beach break with a difference in English  View article 3.97 Mb Saving the flatback turtle in English  View article 836.55 Kb Holidays that help in English  View article 3.49 Mb Leben auf Tauchstation & Baywatch in Australien in German  View article 889.72 Kb Helfer für Schilkröten-Projekt in German  View article 315.13 Kb Feedback “Biosphere’s involvement in the Western Australian marsupial project will expand very important work that the Department of Environment and Conservation are undertaking to conserve threatened species in the south west of Western Australia. The involvement of expedition participants will allow us to survey marsupials on a much larger scale than would normally be possible and will significantly contribute to our understanding of the distribution and conservation status of these animals in the Walpole Wilderness.” Karlene Bain, Department of Environment & Conservation & expedition scientist Because this is a new expedition, there has not been any feedback on it yet, but below is some feedback for a previous expedition to Western Australia working on turtles.  "I had so much fun on the patrols. Seeing and interacting with the turtles is just an unbelievable experience and I do believe I will continue to participate in similar expeditions in the future." Hoon Teo, 29. "We had the best time! Everything was perfect! Beautiful weather, the team members were so nice. We saw heaps of turtles, but the highlight of the expedition was when out of nowhere this beautiful 90 kg turtle decided she wanted to nest in the middle of the day! So the four of us got to assist the scientists, I got to count her eggs and then I had got to hold her while the scientists tagged her and took a DNA sample. Not to sound corny, but it was quite a magical experience!" Rasha Skybey, 28. "A week on the paradise beach under the Australian sun, we reached 45 degrees C on the second day of the expedition, so be prepared for the heat and enjoy. You can try to turtle talk to calm down these magnificent creatures - Finnish lullabies seemed to work fine." Ritva Honkannen, 43. "It's only just sinking in what unique moments we were privileged to experience with the turtles. Thank you for this and keep up the good work. After the Azores, Western Australia was my second expedition and I am certain it wasn't the last. You really do what you do brilliantly. You’re part of a conservation project and you're having fun and a great time, all in one - we all certainly did!" Petra Schneider, 34. "Thank you again for an awesome experience in Australia, which I will never forget, both because of the work & direct contact with the turtles and the people I was privileged to meet on the project." Jürgen Hatzenbichler, 41.   Feedback from team members about their experiences and reasons for coming (on/from various expeditions).   Briefing The briefing contains very detailed information on this project, including instructions on how to get to the assembly point, what you will be doing whilst on the project and who your expedition leader and scientists will be. Briefings are provided as pdf documents and you must provide a name, country of residence and valid e-mail address to be able to download one. You can access briefings via the Download Centre. Join Join this conservation vacation / working holiday volunteering with marsupials in Australia.   An easy way to grow your contribution Many employers, particularly in the USA and Canada, but also elsewhere, will match fund charitable contributions made by their employees, retirees and employees’ spouses. That means you may well be able to increase significantly the contribution you make towards wildlife contribution. > more information You may be able to reduce the net cost of your expedition Depending on your country of origin, a portion of your expedition contribution and additional expenses (such as additional food, lodging and transportation) may be tax-deductible. Have a look at www.biosphere-expeditions.org/tax for more details and examples.