ARCHIVED SCOTIA - SCOTIA Numbat Survey 18-29 Nov 2024
Survey Title: Scotia Numbat Survey
Sanctuary: Scotia Sanctuary
Dates: 18th – 29th November 2024
Sanctuary Details:
Scotia Sanctuary is situated in southwestern NSW, approximately 150km north of Wentworth. The property is 65,000ha in size, bordering South Australia. Scotia has an 8,000 hectare feral predator-free area which is made up of two 4,000 hectare areas known as Stage 1 and Stage 2. Reintroduced animals existing in the fenced area include: Greater Bilby, Numbat, Bridled Nailtail Wallaby and Burrowing Bettong.
Project Specifics:
You will be submitting an expression of interest only. You will be contacted by an AWC staff member to confirm your position on the survey.
In November 2024, AWC will be undertaking annual transect surveys of Numbats (Myrmecobius fasciatus) at from Scotia Sanctuary.
We’re looking for enthusiastic and capable volunteers to assist AWC field ecologists in conducting numbat transect surveys. These surveys involve two observers standing in a protective frame on the tray of utility vehicles (ute) while driving along 2km transects with an aim to spot and record numbats to attain population estimates. Surveys are timed to coincide with periods of warmer weather when individuals are more likely to be out foraging and in when juveniles are dispersing from natal ranges.
Volunteers will work under instruction from AWC staff and will be required to adhere to AWC’s workplace safety guidelines. As such only AWC staff will be driving for the duration of the survey.
Previous experience in field work is strongly desired, but not essential. All volunteers will receive a full induction into the project and comprehensive training from AWC staff. We’re looking for enthusiastic people interested in learning more about our unique wildlife and their conservation. This opportunity would be great for anyone interested in gaining more experience in field-based skills required for a career in conservation.
Required tasks:
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Working and observing from the utility vehicle tray (in protective frame)
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Detecting and recording numbats along road survey (use of binoculars, camera, range finder, GPS unit, kestrel weather units)
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Data entry (Fulcrum app on provided tablets)
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Assist with navigation to transect sites
Required skills:
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A moderate level of fitness
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Attention to detail, particularly pertaining to data entry
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The ability to work well in a small team in a remote location
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Being able to maintain a positive attitude in challenging conditions (particularly hot and dusty as exposed on ute trays)
Logistics:
Volunteers can either meet AWC staff in Buronga, NSW and share transport up to Scotia in AWC vehicles. Volunteers also have the option to make their own way to Scotia Sanctuary. Note that travel to Scotia requires driving on unsealed roads. Please let us know your travel preference so that we can plan accordingly.
Accommodation will be provided at Scotia however you will need to bring your own bedding (see ‘What to bring’). Facilities include a communal kitchen with all cooking equipment, shared bathroom, drinking water and communal spaces. Showers are available, although due to running on desalinated bore water, we ask you to keep them short. Wi-Fi is available in the main office building, but as it is satellite internet and therefore expensive, we ask that use is kept to a minimum and no streaming services are used. There is no reception at Scotia, however the office landline can be used if required.
All meals and snacks are provided. If you haven’t given your dietary requirements via the Better Impact portal, please let us know ahead of time. Please feel free to bring any personal snacks if desired.
What to bring:
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Bedding, towel and toiletries.
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Field appropriate clothing (long sleeve shirts, long pants, hat, sturdy shoes etc.), head torch, water bottles (4L capacity) Due to exposure to dust and sun throughout the survey broadbrim hat (with under-chin string), buff and sun gloves are also recommended. It may get cold at Scotia overnight so bring thermal layers, beanie, gloves, multiple jumpers etc.
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
- Do you have a current First Aid Qualification? Must be Yes
