University of Tasmania, Australia

Live Trapping

Live trapping involves setting up 40 traps in a 25 km² area during ten days. During this time we will use a capture-mark-recapture approach to study population dynamics and gather epidemiological data. While in the field we will take several biological samples including, blood, faeces, hair, whiskers and biopsies from all devils and tumours.

Volunteers will be asked to sterilize, bait, and set up devil traps. As we need to take as much ecological and epidemiological information as possible, volunteers will be asked to fill different data sheets and assist with related aspects of our research, such as keeping records of biological samples and epidemiological data, helping to assess devil behavioural parameters and archiving genetic samples.

Fieldwork is undertaken at several study sites, (see Schedule section) including central, northern and southern Tasmania. No previous experience with wildlife is required but volunteers must be comfortable working for extended periods of time under challenging weather conditions.

Please note:

• Volunteers are not allowed to handle animals under any circumstance
• Volunteers are required to stay for the entire length of each trip
• Be aware that DFTD causes fast growing tumours around the face and head, and you might be confronted with animals in a clear state of distress.

Field Schedule 2018

North-central Tasmania, West Pencil Pine - Cradle Mountain

(Accommodation provided on site)

February 12^th – 23^rd
May 14^th – 25^th
Aug 13^th – 24^th
Nov 12^th – 23^rd

South-eastern Tasmania, D’Entrecasteaux Channel

(Departing every day from Hobart, volunteers must arrange their own accommodation in Hobart)

Volunteers interesting in working at this site please contact Geordie Jennings at Geordie.Jennings@hotmail.com

February 12^th – 23^rd
April 16^th – 27^th
May 14^th – 25^th
June 18^th – 29^th
July 16^th – 27^th
August 13^th – 24^th
Sept TBA
October TBA
November TBA
December TBA

North-western Tasmania, Black River

(Accommodation provided on site)

February TBA
May TBA
August TBA
November TBA

Note: all dates are subject to change and need to be confirmed before making travel arrangements.

To volunteer please contact: Rodrigo Hamede (Postdoctoral Research Fellow)

Wildlife Ecology | School of Biological Sciences | University of Tasmania
Private Bag 55, Hobart | Tasmania 7001 | Australia

Ph: +61 03 62261890 | Fax +61 03 62262745 | mobile: 0428394626

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