Fauna surveys
Vic Forests
2020-21
Austral has undertaken a comprehensive assessment of logging coupes (post logging) to determine whether threatened species persist in areas where habitat has been partly, or entirely removed due to logging activities. This six month project involved nightly spotlighting surveys searching for forest owl species and arboreal mammals within, and adjacent to logged coupes. Remote sensing camera surveys were undertaken in appropriate habitat to determine whether Leadbeater's Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) persist post logging. Remote sensing camera surveys were also undertaken at ground level to determine whether ground dwelling species such as Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus persist once an area has been logged.
Offset monitoring
2020-21
Austral has undertaken extensive surveys of established offset sites to determine the distribution and health of Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana) populations in south-west Victoria.
Fauna salvage
Austral has undertaken fauna salvage for a wide range of clients for both arboreal, ground dwelling and aquatic species. We have all the appropriate permits, ethics approval and experience to safely translocate all species.
Harcourt Valley Cider Orchard
2021
During removal of a number of native Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) a Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa tapoatafa) was observed to exit a small hollow. The tree was gently lowered to the ground and left on site for a period of a week. This allows time for native wildlife to vacate the site of their own accord with a minimum of handling and stress.
Lonsdale Shores development & Leopold Development
2020
During an initial assessment of trees scheduled for removal a Common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) was observed to be utilising a drey. The ringtail was carefully captured and relocated to appropriate habitat outside of the development.
Third Reedy Lake drawdown, Kerang
2020-2021
Austral were engaged by Goulburn Murray Water to undertake fauna salvage on a previously thought regionally extinct species of small bodied native fish, Southern-purple spotted gudgeon (SPSG) Mogurnda adspersa. A number of SPSG were captured during the drawdown of the lake and donated to a captive breeding program established by North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA).
