MHS Flying Fox
Maclean High School students used satellite tracking as part of a school program to study flying-fox movements and behaviours. It is hoped that the hands-on experience with conducting satellite telemetry and the monitoring of flying-fox movements gained from this project will give students a fascinating and accessible introduction to cutting edge wildlife biology research and bring an educational focus to the outstanding natural resource that is on the School’s doorstep. Solar-powered satellite trackers will be attached to four flying-foxes as part of the study of flying-fox movements. The tracking devices were donated by Microwave Telemetry Inc’s “PTTs for Schools Program” (proposal attached), which aims to create opportunities for students to experience wildlife research projects first hand. While students will not be handling flying-foxes, they will have the chance to get involved with all aspects of field work including mist netting, recording body measurements, and closely observing attachment of the satellite trackers whilst the flying-foxes are under sedation. Students will also be involved in monitoring local flying-fox numbers and will regularly download, analyse and map satellite telemetry data as well as writing a collaborative article on the project. .
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The ‘Maclean High Bat Tracking Project’, (or “Flying-fox Diaries”) is a joint venture with the School’s science department, myself (flying-fox biologist) and the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH – Kelly Roche). The project is also being supported by Valley Watch, Wildlife SOS, and Clarence Valley Council..
Photos taken between 9/10 May 2012 at Clarence Estuary Reedy Creek Nature Reserve, Yamba NSW Australia.
PHOTO: Debrah Novak
MHS Flying Fox
Maclean High School students used satellite tracking as part of a school program to study flying-fox movements and behaviours. It is hoped that the hands-on experience with conducting satellite telemetry and the monitoring of flying-fox movements gained from this project will give students a fascinating and accessible introduction to cutting edge wildlife biology research and bring an educational focus to the outstanding natural resource that is on the School’s doorstep. Solar-powered satellite trackers will be attached to four flying-foxes as part of the study of flying-fox movements. The tracking devices were donated by Microwave Telemetry Inc’s “PTTs for Schools Program” (proposal attached), which aims to create opportunities for students to experience wildlife research projects first hand. While students will not be handling flying-foxes, they will have the chance to get involved with all aspects of field work including mist netting, recording body measurements, and closely observing attachment of the satellite trackers whilst the flying-foxes are under sedation. Students will also be involved in monitoring local flying-fox numbers and will regularly download, analyse and map satellite telemetry data as well as writing a collaborative article on the project. .
.
The ‘Maclean High Bat Tracking Project’, (or “Flying-fox Diaries”) is a joint venture with the School’s science department, myself (flying-fox biologist) and the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH – Kelly Roche). The project is also being supported by Valley Watch, Wildlife SOS, and Clarence Valley Council..
Photos taken between 9/10 May 2012 at Clarence Estuary Reedy Creek Nature Reserve, Yamba NSW Australia.
PHOTO: Debrah Novak