Ecological Services

Ecological and Biodiversity surveys can be conducted by public and private land managers to understand the species and ecological communities present on their land. This information can be used to manage or mitigate adverse impacts that may occur from invasive species, climate change and development projects, or as formational data for research projects and species or conservation management plans.

ESA’s utilise accepted standardised ecological survey methods for all our ecological and biodiversity surveys, whilst leveraging modern technological advances in survey and analytical tools to provide the most effective outcomes possible. Our process involves the setting of client objectives and survey scope, detailing survey design and data collection processes, and defining GIS mapping and statistical analysis requirements. 

A range of field techniques can be used that may include:

• Visual census
• Nocturnal spotlighting 
• Remote cameras
• Various forms of trapping
• Infrared red drone 
• Detection dog
• Acoustic recording
• Scat and sign
• Vegetation assessment

A detailed report will be completed following each survey that will include the results of a desktop assessment of the project site, the results of the field survey, potential disturbance impacts and any management or conservation recommendations. 

Critical in developing effective conservation and species recovery programs is understanding baseline population information and how a species’ population density and spatial distribution change over time. This understanding is crucial in being able to determine suitable initiatives to mitigate the risks to wildlife populations, develop conservation plans and measure the progress of species recovery. ESA can develop and implement a wildlife population monitoring program for public and private land mangers or academic and community organisations to understand wildlife population dynamics on their land or as part of a conservation and species recovery initiatives.

The primary purpose of ESA’s species management and conservation plans are to ensure that sustainable populations of wildlife species persist within their natural environment. Each plan is customised for a target species and include descriptions of the life history, ecology, habitat and distribution of the species; local population data, population threats and risk analysis, conservation objectives and actions; and governance and management measures. These powerful documents are used by land managers, institutions and organisations to accurately understand a target species, the risks and threats they face and actions that can contribute to better conservation of the species.

ESA utilises a rigorous assessment process, compliant with local, state and federal frameworks to determine the potential environmental impacts of various development types, to design effective mitigation measures to support project approvals while achieving sound environmental outcomes. We can provide expertise on impacts to fauna and flora communities across residential, industrial, resource and energy projects and can deliver tailored advice to minimize impacts and promote sustainable outcomes.

ESA recognises that due to resource constraints or location challenges, deploying staff members to conduct field work and research can be challenging and costly. We offer the ability for like minded consulting organisations, government and academic institutions to outsource the field component of their work to us. We can provide an individual or team to carry out your important ecological field work, that proves to be much more cost effective than making new hires for discrete, short term projects. 

The ecologists at ESA can be commissioned to perform independent research projects on behalf of public, private and community organisations. We combine rigorous ecological research techniques with advanced statistical methods to study terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants. With a strong background in ecology and statistics, our work can be used to support conservation initiatives and funding applications, to oppose development initiatives or to simply benefit the broader scientific community.

The ESA team has significant experience managing projects of all shapes and sizes. Utilising proven project management methodologies and toolsets, ESA can provide a comprehensive project management service to your important ecological projects. Our deep experience managing all phases of a projects lifecycle will ensure that your projects scope, deliverables, timeline and budget are clearly identified and well documented; stakeholders are accurately identified consulted and project objectives achieved.