Environmental Science Excursion

Trapping endangered wildlife at Mt Rothwell conservation park

On a Friday afternoon, the year 11 Environmental Science class departed Northcote for an epic adventure to Mt Rothwell conservation park. Mt Rothwell is the largest feral predator-free ecosystem in Victoria and is home to Australia’s most threatened fauna, including the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby and Eastern Quoll. On this excursion the class was introduced to the practices and research programs Mt Rothwell conservationists use to protect and manage the surrounding environment and its animals. 

Students used their MasterChef skills to create delicious bait balls, consisting of oats, honey, peanut butter and sardines. mmmmmm delicious! These bait balls were used inside the non-harmful traps that the students each set up themselves. These traps are important for the data the conservationists use, as they are able to tag and monitor the native fauna. We took an expeditionary trek through the wilderness under clear skies and bright stars, and observed an array of nocturnal life, including some endangered species. 

After this wondrous foray into the natural environment of Victoria, it was time to check the traps… Some students were disappointed to find their traps had failed, but our major success occurred when James Kanizay’s trap was victorious in capturing the southern brown bandicoot. We were able to observe and weigh the bundle of fur, before James was able to safely release our treasure back into the inky darkness of the night. Although this catch was glorious, the eastern quoll was the true prize, and our very own Ella Williams truly proved her worth and skill, as she succeeded in capturing the beast.

After the adventure of the lifetime, the students stopped off at McDonalds to quench their never-ending hunger for knowledge and fries!

~Year 11 Environmental Science collective