Volunteer on a Koala research project in Queensland, Australia

Global Vision International

Live and work in a unique environment in central Queensland, and visit the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and Eungella National Park. A unique opportunity for adventurous individuals to experience the nocturnal behaviour of koalas - there has been limited previous research on their nocturnal activities. Learn a number of field ecology sampling techniques used to identify both plant and animal ecological characteristics. Conduct both diurnal (day) and nocturnal (night) surveys to monitor the relative density of koalas occurring within defined sampling areas. If you are interested in plants, you will have ample opportunity to sample and learn about the plant species that live in these rugged landscapes, and conduct extensive sampling surveys. Prior ecological knowledge and a good level of fitness would be useful.

Volunteers must be in excellent physical condition. This landscape is extremely steep, and the local climate is rather difficult for first timers to acclimatise to. Individuals who have any doubt that they are not at the top of their physical ability would be particularly limited in the amount of activities they could participate in during these field trips.

In addition volunteers must have some knowledge of ecological principals and have the ability to prepare several meals during the course of the trip. (We will all take turns). Above all volunteers must be willing to have a good time and make the best of each experience.

Living conditions will be remote bush camping. Meaning that tents will be provided for volunteers, with two volunteers per tent, and individual cot type beds provided.

Solar showers provide warm water and laundry is done by hand. There will be limited electricity as at this point there is no generator. Only car chargers are available, these will be used to charge lights, GPS, laptops, mobile phones and any other items which will be needed for the research project. Electricity will not be available for ready use by volunteers.

Cooking will be done by gas camping stoves. Food provided for the trip will be purely vegan (with the exception of boxed milk for breakfasts), as there is no way to store perishable items for extended times, items such as fruit and vegetable will be replenished on a weekend basis, to provide an adequate variety.