Environmental Education
Brother employees will join a range of one-day Earthwatch conservation research projects assisting scientists to complete their research.
Water rat ecology on Sydney Harbour
Very little is known of the ecology of the elusive rakali (water rat) and its interaction with introduced rat species. What threatening processes may be at work? Are population numbers on the decline? Do introduced species compete for food and habitat resources?
Participants will:
- set out fur traps
- conduct habitat surveys
- analyse hair/foot pad samples
- record evidence of native mammal activity
Data collected in this research will provide important information for use in management plans for populations of native mammals around Australia.
Pollution impacts on sea turtles
Climate change and plastic waste in the ocean are among the biggest threats to the world's seven marine turtle species, all of which are at risk.
Participants will:
- survey the shoreline for waste
- record and catalogue the results
- collect the rubbish that threatens these turtles
Data collected will assist ground breaking research on the impact of the ingestion of marine debris on turtles found in Australian waters.
Marine mammal protection in urban waterways
Increased pressures from climate change, waste, and industrial activity threaten the survival of marine mammals such as dolphins and seals. It is vital that these animals' behavioural patterns and ecological requirements are identified to conserve their populations.
Participants will:
- investigate the flora and fauna of a threatened marine habitat
- snorkel with fur seals to collect population and behavioural data
The information collected will help Earthwatch scientists understand and protect the seal and dolphin populations of Port Philip Bay.
Echidnas and goannas of Kangaroo Island
Echidnas and goannas are two of Australia's most unusual animals. Ecological research is uncovering the details of their lifecycles and interactions to aid in their conservation.
Participants will:
- observe and monitor echidnas and goannas
- identify tracks, scats and other traces of native and feral wildlife
This work will help reveal their survival strategies and their respective roles in the ecosystem. These new discoveries are critical in developing conservation plans for their island home.