Mount Zero-Taravale - Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Trapping Survey
Standard Trapping array, Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary (Felicity L’Hotellier/AWC)
Project Title and AWC Sanctuary
Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna Trapping Survey
Project Description and Dates
Located on Gugu Badhun Country north-west of Townsville, nestled between Paluma and Hidden Valley communities, Mount Zero-Taravale protects a diverse range of ecosystems including tall wet forests, woodlands, and spinifex grasslands, supporting threatened wildlife species including Northern Bettong, Sharman’s Rock-wallaby and Magnificent Broodfrog.
The north-east science team are looking for volunteers to assist with an upcoming fauna trapping survey, which forms an important component of our Ecohealth monitoring and translocation programs.
The 2026 Fauna Trapping Survey involves monitoring small-medium mammal and reptile species at paired survey sites distributed inside and outside a 950 ha feral predator-free fenced area (‘safe haven’). Each monitoring site includes an array of pitfall, funnel, Elliot and camera traps. We are looking for volunteers to assist with a range of survey activities, including the installation, checking, and pack-down of trapping sites. This trip presents a unique opportunity to spend time on Mount Zero-Taravale, and the chance to spot some of its incredible wildlife.
The fauna survey will take place between 4th – 17th May.
Shifts: 6am to 12pm, 3pm to 6pm.
Volunteer tasks
Volunteers will work in teams, led by experienced Field Ecologists and supported by sanctuary staff, to carry out tasks including:
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Site preparation (digging in pitfall buckets, as required)
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Setting up trapping arrays (pitfall, funnel, Elliot and camera traps)
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Carrying out morning and evening checking of traps
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Pack-down of trapping arrays
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Data management and camera trap image processing
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General housekeeping duties, including meal preparation and basic cleaning
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Typical survey hours will be approximately 6am – midday and 3 – 6 pm. Rest days will be scheduled throughout the survey period.
Volunteer requirements include:
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Must have a good level of fitness, as tasks can be physically demanding
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Ability to withstand hot, humid (daytime) and cold (night) temperatures
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Ability to carry heavy loads (tools and survey equipment to site)
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Ability to work with a small team in a remote area
Things to be aware of when considering applying for this volunteer role:
This survey can be physically demanding, in hot and humid conditions, and involves early starts/ late finishes. Meals are prepared communally, and dietary requirements should be discussed with the Project Coordinator.
Accommodation:
The survey team will be based at Taravale Cottage. There will be access to power and communal kitchen/ bathroom facilities, however there are limited beds and survey personnel will be required to camp.
Travel:
Mount Zero-Taravale is a ~2hr drive from Townsville. The most direct access involves the use of Mt Spec Rd, which is currently only accessible between 6am and 6pm under hourly escort service.
Transport can be provided from Townsville/ Ingham to Mount Zero-Taravale. Please discuss with Project Coordinator.
Mobile and internet connections:
Wifi connection will be available when located at Taravale Base, however mobile/ internet will be otherwise limited.
AWC Provides
AWC will provide
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All meals and communal camping gear (including cooking equipment and drinking water)
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Insect repellent, sunscreen and electrolyte powder (e.g. Staminade)
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All items relating to animal handling/ data management
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A comprehensive first aid kit and access to the Royal Flying Doctor Service
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Satellite phones/ UHF radios/ GPS/ safety gear and training
Volunteers Provide
Volunteers will need to bring:
Clothing/ footwear
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Sun-protective clothing, including long pants, long-sleeved shirt and a hat (broad-brimmed is preferable) for use during survey activities
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Comfortable clothing for use outside of survey times. Be prepared for a variety of conditions, from hot/ humid days to cool nights.
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Study, closed-toed footwear (boots or shoes) for use during survey activities and everyday wear
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A pair of sandals or similar that can get wet/ for use around cmap is also a good idea
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Spray jacket/ raincoat
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Gaiters are recommended. Some are available to borrow – please confirm with Project Coordinator.
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Sunglasses
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Swimwear
Camping equipment
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Tent/swag and sleeping gear (or as otherwise arranged with Project Coordinator)
Field gear
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Daypack big enough to carry some field gear, snacks, water etc. during the day
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Head torch
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Water bottles/ hydration pack. Minimum carrying capacity of 2 litres is preferred.
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Personal first aid kit (if you have one) and compression bandages; compression bandages will be provided during the survey if you do not have your own.
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Anything else you may find useful (these items are not essential), e.g. walking pole(s), hand lens, binoculars, camera.
Personal needs
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Toiletries and any medication you may need in sufficient quantities for the entire time you are volunteering
Project Coordinator Contact:
Felicity L’Hotellier, Senior Field Ecologist
felicity.lhotellier@australianwildlife.org
0408 084 617
Recruitment Process- AWC Project Coordinators will assess volunteers’ profiles upon application (signup). Suitable candidates that meet project requirements will be contacted directly for a follow up discussion before final decisions are made. Once successful candidates have been offered a position volunteers will be assigned to the project and should expect to receive all relevant onboarding documentation soon after and before deployment. Please ensure your MyImpact profile is complete with contact details and all supporting information to provide you with the best opportunity for a successful placement.
Please note- due to the high-level of interest we receive for our volunteer opportunities we regret we cannot respond individually to unsuccessful applicants. We thank each of you for your keen interest and ongoing support.
Qualifications Required
- I have read and agree to the Code of Conduct (see info icon for file link) Must be I Agree
- I have read and agree to abide by the Volunteer Agreement (see info icon for file link) Must be I Agree
Schedule Summary
The next 10 shifts (out of 14 total shifts) for this activity are as follows
| Date | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, May 04, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday, May 05, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday, May 06, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Thursday, May 07, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Friday, May 08, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Saturday, May 09, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Monday, May 11, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM |
