Biodiversity Conservation Research Project: Movement of arthropods and flora through fragmented agricultural landscapes

An exciting collaboration between the ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society, ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions & National Environment Research Program, & the NSW Central Tablelands Local Land Services.

Volunteer positions available! Sustainable intensification of agriculture requires land management practices that improve production but reverse global declines in biodiversity. Plantings aim to restore fragmented habitats by improving connectivity and providing habitat and resources. However, little is known on the movement ecology of many invertebrate taxa, including predators of pest crops. This project will advance understanding on the role of restoration plantings and conservation strategies in influencing invertebrate movement and biodiversity.

Volunteers are needed to help with fieldwork to examine the movement of ground arthropods (both beneficial predators and pests) using transects extending from a remnant patch into contrasting paddock types, including plantings. Volunteers can experience the day-to-day activities of field surveys, from setting up arthropod pitfall traps, doing vegetation surveys, to identifying arthropod and plant species, with potential for some direct tracking work. Work will be physically demanding, but rewarding! It will involve long days, getting our hands dirty in pitfalls, with lots of hiking through dense woodlands and cropping/grazing fields across multiple working farms. There are also opportunities for volunteers experienced with field surveys to lead small teams.

Surveys planned for weekly sessions (5 days, 4 nights) from September to December 2014 and in January/February 2015 (specific dates TBC). Preference would be given for those that can commit to 2-3 weeks, with a minimum of one week commitment required.

For full details see Biodiversity Conservation Research Project Collaboration (PDF 32MB)

Please send your questions or register your interest (with the application form, along with a short CV no more than 2 pages) to:

Katherina Ng: katherina.ng@anu.edu.au

0402 138 896 / 02 6125 8148