ACT Parks and Conservation Service – Forest Management: Biodiversity Monitoring for FSC Certification of ACT Plantation Estate
Contribute to the development of a monitoring program with the ACT Forest Management team.
Student opportunity type
Degree level
About
The ACT Government’s Forest Management team within the ACT Parks and Conservation Service sustainably manages approximately 8,000 ha of commercial pine plantation within the region to achieve economic, social and environmental objectives.
The ACT Government’s commitment to the sustainability of its forestry operations is undergoing official recognition by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, one of the leading forest certification schemes globally for sustainably produced timber. Central to the FSC certification is the ongoing monitoring of biodiversity, a pivotal aspect of responsible forestry practices. The Forest Management team must ensure that species richness and abundance remain unaffected by the forestry operations.
Project: Biodiversity Monitoring for FSC Certification of ACT Plantation Estate
| Internship details | |
| Internship Availability | Semester 1, 2025 |
| Internship Discipline/s |
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| Internship Level | 3rd year Undergraduate and Postgraduate Coursework preferred |
| Available to International Students | Yes |
| Preferred Project Skills: |
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| Clearances Required | 4WD and first aid training preferred |
| Host Supervisor | Diego Avi, Forester T: 0414 205 850 |
| Location | 500 Cotter Rd, Coombs, ACT, 2611 |
| Project Opportunities/Benefits for the Intern |
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Summary:
In line with ACT Forest Management’s commitment to FSC Certification standards, we are seeking to enhance biodiversity monitoring efforts. As part of this internship project, the student will use passive monitoring devices (camera traps and audio devices for bats) to detect the presence and abundance of mammal species within the remnants of native vegetation within the ACT plantation estate. This initial phase will be followed by a desktop-based analysis of the data collected (also using automated recognition software) with the aim of evaluating population trends of mammal species within the ACT pine plantation estate and contribute to the development of a monitoring program that meets the Organisation’s requirements.