About the Research
 | Charles Darwin Reserve was run as a sheep station from 1919 until 2003. However the property still represents one of the last remaining large, intact expanses of remnant native habitat in the Avon Wheatbelt and as such is vital to the conservation of biodiversity in the area. The remaining habitat is under considerable pressure from various sources including weeds, fire and predation of native fauna by foxes and cats. Site manager, Bush Heritage Australia has de-stocked the area of sheep and is managing the property as a nature reserve. |
The ultimate goal of this project is to develop is a cost-effective integrated predator control program that leads to an increase in the abundance and distribution of native fauna that are currently limited by predation. Bush Heritage does not currently have the information required to make this assessment – the objective of this project is to collect the data necessary for this evaluation. Your participation will directly inform on-ground management and fulfill one of Earthwatch's core missions by improving regional biodiversity.
Volunteer Activities
 | Working during the day and at sometimes at night with Dr. Rob Davis (Edith Cowan University, Australia) and other leading scientists, you'll help assess the effectiveness of feral management plans and better understand predators and their relationships to prey by conducting biodiversity surveys, surveying animals at night with a spotlight, and deploying camera traps to identify and determine the population of animals. |
Meals and Accommodation
 | The team will stay in the accommodation quarters on Charles Darwin Reserve. The accommodation quarters are powered through the property’s generator system which enables 24 hour power throughout the accommodation. Each room will be twin share and single sex and all rooms open onto the shared kitchen and living space. Participants will need to bring their own sleeping bag, and pillow slip. Pillows will be provided. |
Adjacent to the accommodation quarters is the ablution block that has three showers (with gas hot water) and three flushing toilets. There are no laundry facilities available to participants during their time at Charles Darwin Reserve. Charles Darwin Reserve’s water supply is through a rainwater tank and bore water system and whilst Earthwatch has ensured there is enough freshwater available, all participants should be aware that water is precious on the property. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. A cook will be on staff to prepare a cooked evening meal. However, participants and staff will be responsible each morning for making their own continental breakfasts and a packed lunch with food provided.