Volunteer on a Conservation Research Projects with Koalas in Queensland, Australia

  Australia

• Queensland: 
Queensland

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Please visit our website for upcoming start dates.

Description: Physically fit and adventurous volunteers are needed to join a research team living in the Australian bush monitoring koalas. Live and work in a unique environment in central Queensland, with tours included to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and Eungella National Park. Very little research exists at present about nocturnal koala behaviors so this is a great opportunity to monitor first-hand these amazing creatures at night. In addition to day-time and night-time surveys, you will learn about the unique plant communities that exist in the 22 thousand acre site, and be involved in extensive sampling techniques. Some prior ecological knowledge would be helpful.

The project area is located in a State Forest between the towns of Collinsville and Bowen in central Queensland, Australia. The area is roughly 22 thousand acres, with a number of unique plant communities, ranging from open and closed woodlands to rain forests occurring in the gullies and rock outcrop formations. There are three ephemeral creeks located on the property, each of the headwaters originate from the higher elevations and are either contained on the property or flow southward off the property boundary.

Volunteers will receive in-field training on the first full day on site at the State Forest. The project leader will go over a number items including:

1. First aid procedures and safety importance
2. Snake bite procedures
3. Adequate water intake and dehydration signs
4. Collection procedures for rainfall, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture. Additionally, data recording and data sheet preparation will be detailed for each activity.
5. Instructions for plant sampling procedures and monitoring will be given, including floristic sampling protocol, random sampling procedure, how to measure tree diameter, species identification/plant sampling if unable to identify plant species, monitoring of plant flowering and new growth patterns, as well as instructions of equipment to measure foliage cover and leaf area index.
6. Koala density sampling and fecal pellet sampling procedures will be demonstrated and explained so that each volunteer understands the importance of the chosen procedure. Nocturnal sampling will be explained individually, as additional equipment will be used.

Highlights: This project focuses its research on the diurnal as well as the nocturnal behaviour of koalas, of which little is known. Volunteers will play a large role in collecting important data, such as local climatic characteristics, tree selection and diet. This will help our understanding of koala behaviour, their feeding habits and their habitat use.

Working on valuable research project in the Australian bush, taking part in both day and night surveys, and visiting Whitsunday Islands and Eungella National Park in your downtime.

Qualifications: Volunteers must be in excellent physical condition. This landscape is extremely steep, and the local climate is rather difficult for first timers to acclimatise to. Individuals who have any doubt that they are not at the top of their physical ability would be particularly limited in the amount of activities they could participate in during these field trips.

In addition volunteers must have some knowledge of ecological principals and have the ability to prepare several meals during the course of the trip. (We will all take turns). Above all volunteers must be willing to have a good time and make the best of each experience.

Cost in US$: $2245 for 4 weeks

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical volunteer! The most important element is a willingness to help.

Age Range: 18-65

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Australia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4 others

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: 2008 marks a decade of commitment from GVI to all volunteers and partners. Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998