Researchers needed for wildlife research

The latest round of new research opportunities is now open. Conducted for the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), these projects will cover assessing and managing native wildlife populations and developing guidelines for seizing and holding wildlife. Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open for all organisations interested in these projects, not just existing partners of the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC. These EOIs will close on 3 August.

In case you missed it, the earlier EOIs are still available for research covering:

• Community resilience, climate change impacts and prescribed burning – closing today
• User interface for fire weather data and application of self-evacuation methods – closing 20 July
• Fire and ecosystems, effectiveness of resources and development of seasonal fire prediction tools – closing 27 July

One last round of EOIs will be sought for additional research projects next week. These will be announced on the CRC’s website, via email and on social media. Topics are detailed at the bottom of this article.

Use of emerging technologies for native wildlife population assessment and management - closing 3 August

Using emerging technologies including unmanned aviation vehicles and visual/non-visual sensors, this project will assess the habitat conditions and populations of wildlife. The technology will enable researchers to review current science practices and work towards developing systematic methods for DELWP to undertake ecological, repeatable and reliable assessments of wildlife populations and habitat conditions. More infomation is available here. 

National guidelines for seizure and holding of wildlife - closing 3 August

This research will develop guidelines for the seizure and holding of wildlife, which will reduce mishandling, cruelty, illegal take, holding, theft and trade. The guidelines will assist DELWP effectively seize and hold wildlife for the purposes of welfare, evidence and/or quarantine. More infomation is available here.

Submitting a proposal

Further details on the projects and instructions of the requirements of these EOI can be found here. Any interested parties are encouraged to put forward a proposal. Responses are due by midnight on 3 August 2018.

Researchers are also encouraged to provide a consortium approach. In this case one party would be nominated as the lead research organisation and have overall responsibility for project delivery.

Any enquiries or request for further documentation related to these EOI should be directed to Loriana Bethune: loriana.bethune@bnhcrc.com.au.

Future topics

One last round of EOIs will be sought for additional research projects on 20 July. This will cover projects investigating:

• Environmental compliance
• The impacts of environmental crime.