The impact of urban development on native species in the Hervey Bay region will be studied in a new collaborative research project between The University of Queensland (UQ) and Hervey Bay City Council.
Students from UQ Gatton Campus’ Student Wildlife Association of Gatton (SWAG) will work in partnership with the Hervey Bay City Council over the next three years to determine the presence and abundance of small mammals in the region.
Students will study the Mungomery Vineforest Reserve, Toogoom Foreshore Reserve and the Sawmill Road Conservation Park.
The project will determine the impact on native species, including dunnarts, gliders, bandicoots and pademelons. A major part of the project will also be to investigate the impacts of introduced vertebrate pests, such as foxes, cats, and toads.
Ben Allen from SWAG said the project would be conducted in conjunction with local volunteers and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) to gather data on the small mammal species in the area.
“We will not only be looking at the number and density of these mammals but also at the impact of land clearing and development taking place in the vicinity of these reserves,” Mr Allen said.
“This project will assess the current state of the reserves, with respect to mammal communities and will also provide a platform for future management and conservation decisions for the Hervey Bay City Council.”
Students from the Student Wildlife Association of Gatton who have been working in conjunction with the Council over the past 12 months undertaking passive soil-plot studies within the Mungomery Vineforest Reserve will now have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills with this new project.
The project has also facilitated an agreement between the University and the Hervey Bay City Council to provide ongoing vocational placements for students. The vocational placement program is a major feature of the programs offered by UQ Gatton and the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science (NRAVS) and offers students valuable practical experience during their studies.
The project which was initiated in August this year is expected to run through until August 2008. During this time the students, volunteers and staff hope to identify a number of different native mammals within these reserves.
Media inquiries: Susanne Schick - UQ Gatton Campus (5460 1229, 0409 265 587).
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