Impact of large dams on platypus movement
Platypus Conservancy 2017-2018
Austral donated both equipment and hours in the field to trap, tag and follow platypus movements in the vicinity of large dams such as the Jindabyne Dam (Snowy River) and Dartmouth Dam (Mitta Mitta River). This work is conducted by the Platypus Conservancy, supported by Uni of NSW and Taronga Zoo. Nets are set at dusk that are constantly monitored throughout the night, platypus are microchipped, tagged and genetic information collected and are then released into the river where stations are set at one kilometer intervals to record movement along the river. Austral will use sonar to map some of the pools that the platypus have been recorded using in an attempt to identify the habitat features that are important to them.
Impact of fire on platypus distribution
2021
Austral participated in platypus surveys in fire affected regions on the Mid North Coast of NSW in early 2021, trialing radio tracking to determine movement patterns and burrow use.
Supervision of students
Deakin University
Austral have supervised undergraduate, honours and post graduate students, donating time, equipment and expertise. Projects have included Bass movement in the Maquarie River, Stygofauna, Carp collection from Wimmera, Glenelg and Corangamite waterways.
honours Projects
PhD Projects
Donations
Austral Research and Consulting is proud to not only support our local community but to also contribute to international non profit organisations such as Kiva (connecting people through micro loans) and the Bandari Project (providing quality education to children and giving women opportunities in education and agriculture in Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania).