Maria Island, Tasmania: wildlife tracking

Requirements: No trip meeting. All instructions above. Get in touch with me if anything isn't clear :)

Maria Island National Park is located off the east coast of Tasmania. It is a remote refuge for many threatened flora and fauna species, and a number of threatened species have been introduced to the island in a bit to help with preservation efforts. Most recently the Tasmanian devil. 

The opportunity: 
The School of Zoology, University of Tasmania is running a monitoring program on Maria Island aiming to understand the role which Tasmanian devils play in an ecosystem. Volunteers are required to help with remote camera surveys, tracking/trapping feral cats and brushtail possums. From November onwards, there may be opportunities to assist in seabird colony monitoring. 

What is involved:
Trips to Maria Island will be happening from June to November and usually last 5-12 days. Volunteers will be hiking for up to 2-3 days with fully loaded packs (all your gear plus monitoring equipment, such as cameras) - demanding days involving walking off track and/or through dense scrub. Accommodation on the island will vary from tents (when hiking) to shack style accommodation (full facilities: hot shower, kitchen, power, beds, mobile reception). Transport around the island will be by quad bike or boat. 

What is needed:
- outdoor experience & fitness
- hiking gear suitable for Tasmanian conditions (i.e. unpredictable conditions): sturdy boots, gaiters, waterpoof and cold weather gear, pack, tent, sleeping mat etc. --- but cooking equipment will be provided
- volunteers need to make their own way to Hobart
- food, accommodation and ferry transport to Maria Island will be provided

This is a great opportunity to explore some remote parts of an amazing island. Volunteers will gain insight into this interesting ecosystem and gain wildlife research field skills.

If interested, please email Vince Scoleri, School of Zoology, University of Tasmania. Include a brief blog about yourself, work history, contact information and available dates. Tell him you're from MUMC! 
vincent dot scoleri at utas dot edu dot au

Please get in touch with me as well - conservation at mumc dot org dot au - I will gladly help multiple OXOs organise a trip (simplifies logistics), and provide info on gear etc.