Two honours projects in avian conservation biology commencing in July 2019

1) Conservation ecology of threatened Norfolk Island birds. Status: Filled.

The focus here will be on understanding territory size and breeding ecology of the Slender-billed White-eye and other threatened species of passerine on Norfolk Island. Ultimately the goal is to use this new insight to inform ongoing conservation management. 

 

We are looking for a student that has some field experience with birds (and ideally experience reading colour bands in the field) who is passionate about conservation management. The project requires an extended field trip to Norfolk Island (up to 3 months) where the student will be embedded in a larger team of fieldworkers focused on conserving the island's unique biodiversity. A drivers licence is a requirement for this project. 

 

2) Thermal scanning as a tool to monitor for the Endangered Plains-wanderer. Status: Open.

This project aims to develop and test survey methods for Plains-wanderers (and other endothermic vertebrates) in the grasslands of north-central Victoria. Specifically the intent is to compare the results of traditional spotlight surveys with novel methods employing vehicle mounted thermal scanners. 

 

We are looking for a student who is passionate about conservation management.  Ideally they will have some experience with spotlighting. The project requires repeat field trips of 5 days/4 nights to north central Victoria over a 2 to 3 month period. Fieldwork is mostly conducted at night and can extend into the early hours of the morning. A drivers licence is a requirement for this project.