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Expedition Leaders: Marama Hopkins and Steve Phillips

Project Collaborators: Lake Broadwater Natural History Association; Centre for Innovative Conservation Strategies, Griffith University and PPBio Australasia.

Lake Broadwater is a large, ephemeral wetland located approximately 30km to the west of Dalby in southeastern Queensland. When full, the lake serves as a recreational hub for Dalby residents but has also long been the focus of research interest by scientists and interested members of the local community, culminating in publication of a book (see below) by the Lake Broadwater Natural History Association. The Lake Broadwater Conservation Park covers an area of 1800ha and is jointly managed by the Queensland EPA and Wambo Shire Council.

Lake Broadwater is located on the western edge of what is known as the Darling Downs. Vegetation includes lakeside Red Gum woodland with Pilliga Grey Box - Ironbark - Cypress Pine - Brigalow forests and woodlands in more arid areas. Following rain, the lake becomes a mecca for waterfowl. An elevated bird hide is located near to the Natural History Museum and allows expansive views over the protected southern areas of wetland. Over 240 bird species have been recorded.

Our expeditions to Lake Broadwater focus concurrently on two separate projects: (i) Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) ecology and metapopulation dynamics, and (ii) Pale-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bitorquatus) population ecology. For the koala project we have established a series of  field sites based on a systematic 350m x 350m sampling grid over the entire area. Field work involves sampling for koala densities and activity using a methodology called the Spot Assessment Technique. Using sophisticated GIS modelling our objective is to obtain an accurate picture of the distribution of koalas within the Lake Broadwater Conservation Park, in addition to gathering data on koala food tree preferences, estimating population size, obtaining demographic data and maintaining an overview of the health status of the population.

The Pale-headed snake project has a number of components. This work involves surveying a number of established  transects by night and recording data on whatever habitat use observations are made during the following day. Snakes are collected and brought back to our research base where they are measured, sexed and micro-chipped before being returned to their place of capture the following night. Microchipping allows us to use the process of mark - recapture to not only estimate population size; but also collect information on movement, growth rates and longevity. Radio-tracking of some individual snakes will be incorporated into this project as it progresses.

During the course of this  field trip, other ancillary survey work will invariably be taking place; such work involves contributing to broader understanding of biodiversity values of the conservation park in general by focusing on specific taxonomic groups such as microbats, amphibians and other animals as the circumstances and need arises. One thing we guarantee, there won't be much time to sit around and twiddle your thumbs.

Cost: AU$1750.00 (incl. GST) per person ex Brisbane.

Accommodation: We will be camping in the Lake Broadwater camping area with access to work space and cooking facilities. Sleeping arrangements are in the form of 2 person arabian style tents supplied with table and two chairs (participants should bring a sleeping mat, sleeping bag and pillow). Hot showers are available in the camping area.

Minimum Group Size: 6 - 8 adults (sorry, no children).

Meals: All meals are fully catered for.

Expedition Dates: 4 - 10 November 2007; 16 - 22 March 2008 and 9 -  15 November 2008 (all dates inclusive).

Getting there: Return travel to Lake Broadwater will be from the east coast (Brisbane or Coolangatta); pick ups can be arranged en route.

For more information contact us at info@taipantours.com.au or simply download the intinerary and application form below.

Some Useful References

Lake Broadwater Natural History Association. 1988. Lake Broadwater -the natural history of an inland lake and its environs. Darling Downs Institute Press. Toowoomba, Qld.

File Download

LBCP__App-2007-08-30.pd f  208 Kb