| EXPEDITIONS |
|---|
Each year ANZSES launches a youth expedition
for 17-25 year olds, an all-women's expedition
and an open age mixed gender expedition.
Expeditions undertake a range of natural science
projects to collect data for resource
management bodies such as National Parks and
Wildlife Services, herbaria, state museums,
universities and the CSIRO. Science reports are
published after each expedition and distributed
to the science community and expeditioners.
Expeditions have taken place in New Zealand,
Tasmania, Queensland (particularly the far
north). South Australia (especially the arid
zone), New South Wales and Victoria. ANZSES
biodiversity data have added significantly to
Australia's science knowledge; we have
discovered new species. recorded significant
seasonal events and extended species'
distribution maps.
ANZSES expeditions provide a unique
opportunity for people from all walks of life to
be involved in science research in the field.
Expeditioners work wilh scientists in disciplines
such as zoology, botany and archaeology.
Living in remote wilderness for three to four
weeks offers its own personal challenges.
Expedition leaders are recruited year-round.
They are chosen for scientific knowledge and
leadership and outdoor experience.
General expeditioners do not need
a science background but enthusiasm and the
ability to work in possibly difficult conditions
are important. While leaders are volunteers,
general expeditioners pay a fee to cover
transport, food and equipment.
(c)johnmoon@connexus.apana.org.au