On the Expedition
Explore the lives of two of Australia's most unusual animals and help to conserve their island ecosystem.
Hiking through near-pristine woodlands, scrublands, and intertidal swamps for several hours a day, you will search for, radio-track, observe, map, and record the daily activities of both echidnas and goannas. You will document how the two species interact with their ecosystem, monitor microclimates, conduct surveys, and examine how different habitats influence behaviours. You will also help with data entry, and depending on the season, may monitor feral cat activities. Inhabited by Tammar wallabies, sea lions, kangaroos, 130 species of birds, and 50 species of orchids, Kangaroo Island is an amazing place to explore.
Meals and Accommodations
You'll stay in small cabins or large tents at the solar-powered Pelican Lagoon Research and Wildlife Centre, with flush toilets and heated showers. This world-class research station and model of sustainability was featured at the World Expo 2000. During training, a cook will prepare your meals, and after that teams will cook and clean up together. You will have a chance to try island specialties, such as sheep yogurt and kunzia berries! A large common area serves as lab, conference room, and dining hall.
About the Research Area
Kangaroo Island is the third largest island in Australia. Located off the south coast of South Australia, the island is approximately 150 by 50 kilometres large, with a population of about 4,000 people. The largest population concentration is in the township of Kingscote, approximately 50 kilometers by road from the research area. The research site is located on the north shore of Pelican Lagoon, an aquatic reserve, and is near the east end of Kangaroo Island. Expanses of intact habitat including natural mallee woodlands, shrubland, ephemeral fresh water, and intertidal swamps are found on this island. The highest point on the island is approximately 300 metres above sea level, though work will mainly be conducted between sea level and 60 metres.