Fauna Survey Programs

Survey programs are prefaced by historical and literature reviews to determine the most effective survey design. Good experimental design underpins all quality ecological management and monitoring programs. We adopt rigorous statistical methods in survey design and analysis to answer specific research questions and minimise costs to the client.

A range of sampling and trapping methods are employed to ascertain species presence and abundance. We use Elliott and cage trapping, pitfall trapping, direct observation, call playback, acoustic monitoring, harp trapping, arboreal trapping, aerial surveying, scat identification & analysis, track/scratch identification and hair-funnel trapping.

Monitoring Programs

Organisations often baulk at the added costs incurred through wildlife monitoring. The same organisations never fail to monitor their financial status. Monitoring is often the only way to determine the direction of a process or the success of a strategy and should extend to our natural assets.

Fauna monitoring programs involve repeated surveys to determine trends in species abundance and distribution and identify changes in species assemblages. We are proficient with telemetry (radio-tracking) to derive home ranges, movement patterns and habitat usage profiles.

Ornithological Assessment, Research & Monitoring

We have over ten years experience with ornithological survey and assessment. Our staff are licenced under the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme. Census methods can include roost counts, nesting colony counts, timed species counts, line and point transect counts, and call playback. Direct capture such as mist netting can also be deployedto gather data on individual animals such as sex, weight and age. We also survey migratory waders.

Aquatic Fauna

Ecosure completes electrofishing and Ausrivas protocols using fish trapping methods.

Legislation Compliance Assessments

Legislative compliance assessments are land use assessments based on requirements and conditions set out in relevant state and/or federal legislation. Compliance assessments are important for developers or land owners whose operations and activities may contravene the prescribed legislation. We conduct Significance tests (such as the 8 Part Test), Review of Environmental Factors (REF), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and Species Impact Statements (SIS).

Targeted Species Research & Monitoring

We implement targeted programs to monitor the movement, behaviour, habitat use, physiological and pathological status of critical species. These programs generate detailed relevant information which is the basis for successful management.

Management Plan Preparation

Management plans form comprehensive documents that provide for the best suited application of management for a particular species, a collection of species, or for entire habitats and ecosystems. Preceded by thorough field investigations, management plans set realistic targets and objectives, which are dependant on the overall goal of the program. Monitoring provides the feedback loop to confirm success, or allow modification of the management approach - this is adaptive management.

Community Consultation & Stakeholder Involvement

A key component of environmental management is the contribution by stakeholders and local communities. Regular meetings provide stakeholders with up to date information, and can empower the local community with knowledge and understanding of their local environment.