Projects
Dandenong to Caulfield Level Crossing Removal Project
2016-2019
Habitat Management Services team we’re engaged by their client to deliver a range of services including flora and fauna surveys, environmental planning, preclearance surveys, fauna spotter/Catcher activities, seed collection, nest box building etc.
During the vegetation clearing along the rail corridor, Habitat Management Services worked closely with the client whilst engaging with the community to create a range of habitat alternatives.
Staff installed over 75 nest boxes throughout the rail corridor. Many of these boxes have since been monitored finding over 95% of these boxes being utilised by native fauna.
In addition to meet Ecology credit 2-Habitat Connectivity, HMS installed 4 fauna overpass ladders to help reconnect the canopy of vegetation within a movement corridor of arboreal fauna such as possums and gliders. Wireless cameras with solar panels were temporarily placed on the trees to observe the movement of fauna across these ladders. Movement commenced within one week of the ladders being installed.
Wood that was cut from some of the trees were stored and dried out for future use. In order to replace additional habitat that was lost from the project, an alternative hollow was provided.
Habitat Management Services Level 5 Arborists utilised some of the timber and cut out a series of hollows within the wood and placed an entrance door on the front. These logs were then secured to some of the existing trees within the corridor. In addition, a series of chainsaw hollows were also carved into some of the existing trees. These alternative hollow options not only provide additional habitat for native fauna but also demonstrate that even solid timber (along with existing hollow which are reused) can be reused. A long term goal is to readdress planning requirements in relation to the reuse of timber for habitat, in particular solid timber.
Habitat Management Services have created numerous habitat hollows for other projects too.
Nillumbik Shire Council Hazardous Tree Program
2013-Ongoing
Habitat Management Services are the preferred Zoologists/Ecologists for the Nillumbik Shire Council’s Hazardous Tree Program since 2013.
Nillumbik Council is one of the only Council’s in Victoria that engages a Zoologist/Ecologist when managing roadside vegetation.
HMS work closely with council's arborist to inspect and pre-clear nominated trees for native fauna along minor and major roads throughout the shire.
Trees that are pruned are done so in a way that supports habitat requirements for numerous native fauna including possums, gliders, bats and birds.
Drone Survey -
O’Shannassy Reservoir Outlet Pipeline Renewal Project, Warburton
2019-2011
Habitat Management Services team were engaged by their client to deliver a range of services including flora and fauna preclearance surveys, fauna spotter/Catcher activities, seed collection, habitat assessments and reporting.
The vegetation within the forest consisted of large trees over 60m in height with dense undergrowth on the forest floor. Inspection of these trees was made challenging by the limited access of equipment in order to conduct aerial fauna inspections.
Certified CASA drone operators, Habitat Management Services Pilot in conjunction with their Principal Zoologist/Ecologist conducted an aerial inspection of all the trees proposed for removal using the latest in drone technology. The drone pilot had the opportunity to switch between standard camera vision to thermal imaging which can detect body heat given off by some birds and mammals.
The drone was also used to conduct arborist assessments of a number of hazardous trees on the edges of the worksite.
In many circumstances, the use of the drone can eliminate risk, save money, provide more assurances and save time.
