Australia's Forest Marsupials

  Australia

• Melbourne: 
Melbourne

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 2008: Jan 16 - Jan 25, Mar 12 - Mar 21

Description: Research Mission
Collecting data to save an endangered species and its magnificent, temperate forest home..

Situation Report
Central Highlands, Victoria, Australia -- In Victoria's temperate humid forests, huge tree ferns spread over moss-covered logs, and ancient eucalyptus, mountain ashes, and stately beeches reach into the canopy. But this apparently timeless landscape belies the modern threat that commercial logging poses to forest animals that den in the hollows of large trees. Biologist Dr. David Lindenmayer has documented that clear-cutting disrupts habitat, destroys den trees, and causes declines in endangered Leadbeater's possums, small, communally living marsupials, and seven other species of gliders, possums, and rats. Without these small mammals, the forest also loses crucial pest controllers, seed dispersers, and pollinators. You can help Lindenmayer collect data to help save these threatened animals and promote more sustainable logging practices.

Meals and Accommodations
On this project you will have the opportunity to see nocturnal animals that few people ever see. Although Leadbeater's Possum is one of Victoria's faunal emblems, few Australians have seen this elusive species or indeed any of the other species of gliders and possums in mountain ash forests. We have had more than 20 years experience collecting information and publishing scientific papers and books on the biology, ecology, and management of the possums and gliders that live in these mountain forests. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm with you.

Highlights: On the Expedition
You'll work in fantastic forests that appear to be a living relic of Gondwana, featuring stands of tree ferns right out of the Jurrasic. With Lindenmayer and colleagues Damian Michael, Mason Crane, and Chris MacGregor, you'll learn to census arboreal marsupials, count dens, and determine which logging practices are best tolerated by these marsupials and 60 bird species. During the day, you'll check nest boxes for residents, and trap and handle small, rarely seen, forest mammals like the spectacular mountain brushtail. Hiding among huge, 250-year-old trees at dusk, you'll spotlight hollows for signs of life. Side trips may bring you to spectacular mountain vistas or waterfalls, and in your spare time there is plenty of hiking in the state forest adjacent to your field camp.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 2,746

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees... people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 6 - 12

Scholarships are Available. - Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. Hundreds of expedition teams can use your help in 48 countries and 16 U.S. states this year.

Year Founded: 1971