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Preserving Marine & Terrestrial Ecosystems: The Australia Project
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The tropical and subtropical ecosystems of Australia harbor some of the most unique biodiversity found on earth—from marsupials, to egg-laying mammals, to the largest coral reef system on the planet. Team members will take part in firsthand investigations of northeastern Australia’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems, the spe
cies they support, the people who depend on them, and conservation challenges they face today. We will immerse ourselves in the fascinating natural history and biogeography of this large island-continent, examine the cultural and socio-economic history of the region, from 60,000 years ago when aborigines likely first settled the continent to the present day, while focusing on how cultural and socio-economic factors are related to environmental threats. We will also discuss conservation strategies for the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, now threatened by tourism, overfishing, and global warming. Inland we will discover how eucalyptus forests and tropical rainforests have been cleared for agriculture and development, and flora/fauna are threatened by the introduction and rampant success of invasive species such as the cane toad and the European wild rabbit. Join us as we explore firsthand some of the management t
echniques and successful conservation approaches that have been implemented in Australia’s famed Queensland region to protect its unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
As a team, we will explore and study the flora and fauna in diverse habitats ranging from the Great Barrier Reef and its associated islands, coastal mangroves, grasslands, and ancient sand dunes, to inland tropical rainforest and eucalyptus forests. As we become familiar with the inhabitants of these ecosystems, we will conduct ecological research projects, examining interactions, patterns of diversity, and ecological niches of species we encounter. During the field project, we will look at how both geological and human history have played a role in the evolution, survival, and success of the unique flora and fauna o
f northeastern Australia. We will observe some of Australia’s wildlife such as kangaroo and koala, to look critically at their evolutionary history, their ecological niches, and their conservation status in the landscape. Additionally, with local community members as well as land managers, we will examine the history of land ownership, use, and conservation and learn about the role of the aboriginal peoples both now and historically.
During our travels throughout the diverse ecosystems of Queensland, we will examine various approaches to conservation, from marine parks and national parks to wildlife sanctuaries and private reserves. Additionally, we will look at how current scientific findings contribute to developing solutions to the multitude of conservation issues in the region. We will see first-hand how invasive species are threatening native species and ecosystems, and we will examine the history of these introductions as well as the methods being utilized to try to control them. Our travels throughout the back and front country of Queensland’s national parks will also give us the opportunity to analyze approaches to ecotourism that have been promoted in this area, particularly on the Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef in the world.
Through on-site field studies and research projects, participants will have unique opportunities to assess major issues affecting biological conservation and sustainable human communities in Australia today, while evaluating hopeful strategies needed to meet tomorrow’s environmental challenges.
The on-site In-country Fee is $2250 (approximately)
Read the Full Project Description
PROJECT LEADERS
ALEJANDRA VARGAS is a veterinarian with extensive experience in animal behavior, physiology and welfare. She is currently pursuing research on cetaceans around the island of Mauritius, and has served as an instructor in the Wildlands Studies South Africa Project.