Minnawarra Long Term Biodiversity Project

Project description

The Minnawarra Long Term Biodiversity Project aims to investigate and record the biodiversity of heritage listed blocks on the property near Myponga. The project has been running for over 20 years and involves trapping and recording small mammals, reptiles and frogs over four days and nights in eight separate sites. Small mammals are identified, weighed, sexed, marked and released. Vegetation, bat and bird surveys are also carried out periodically. The project is coordinated by members of the Scientific Expedition Group  (SEG) and often involves volunteers and local community members. Student project/s could include:

• Participation in one or both of the biannual  surveys (Autumn and Spring).
• Training in DEW-Biological Database upload and extraction. Most of the data has already been submitted to DEW and is available through their NatureMaps website.
• Analysis and report/publication of any aspect of the 20 year dataset . Ideas include: a) site/habitat comparison b) small mammal population fluctuations (Antechinus flavipes, Rattus, fuscipes, Rattus lutreolus) c) longevity, morphology of small mammals d) changes in bird species richness/numbers e) effect of vegetation and rainfall fluctuations over time
• Only preliminary analysis has occurred on a small % of the dataset so SEG are excited to engage with a student/s who wishes to explore any aspects in more detail.
• Some students who have been involved in SEGs projects have since gone on, with SEG references, to employment with DEW.

Co-supervisors

Industry Partner: Helen Owens, Biological Database of SA, Department of Environment and Water (SA Government) and SEG Scientific Officer.

Further information

More information about the project is available at https://www.scientificexpeditiongroup.org/projects/projects-minnawarra-biodiversity-project/

Assumed knowledge

Handling datasets in Excel and a willingness to learn R. Some projects could involve field work and data analysis, others could involve more data analysis – there is scope for whatever the student would like to gain skills in. Training in animal handling, identification and trapping would be provided and supervised.

Industry involvement

Scientific Expedition Group (SEG) and Department for Environment and Water, SA Government

Note: You need to register interest in projects from different supervisors (not a number of projects with the one supervisor).
You must also contact each supervisor directly to discuss both the project details and your suitability to undertake the project.