Ecology

EWL Sciences has extensive experience in assessing and managing biodiversity in Australian ecosystems (particularly tropical savannas, evergreen closed forests, temperate eucalypt forests, and arid deserts), south-east Asian tropical and deciduous forests, and European cool temperate forests. Some of our staff are recognised world experts and long-standing consultants to government, Australian Cooperative Research Centres and The World Conservation Union (formerly IUCN).

We have extensive experience in working with clients planning major developments that trigger the Commonwealth Government’s major environmental legislation (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999), or various other government Acts (NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995) and international Agreements (Ramsar Convention, CAMBA, JAMBA, BONN).

Fauna

In terms of fauna, our approach to ecological investigations is based on a mix of standard and innovative field methods incorporating high standards of personnel safety, the full approval of an Animal Ethics Committee and permits from the appropriate wildlife authority. For example, we assess the ‘health’ of aquatic ecosystems by using trophic groups, the basic units of food chains, to compare sites. The trophic groups include micro-organisms that respond quickly to change and ‘flagship’ species such as waterbirds and fishes that are relatively long-lived.

We have a lot of experience in conducting field surveys in Australia and overseas in both terrestrial and freshwater aquatic environments. Our specialists identify fishes, herpetofauna, birds and mammals in the field and rarely need to take voucher specimens.

Flora

Our work is currently focussed on tropical forest ecology and rehabilitation, including vegetation mapping and baseline surveys, habitat management plans, and revegetation using native species. We’re very good at developing robust, practical and scientifically-based strategies for revegetation of minesites and other disturbed landscapes. This expertise is based on our understanding of the ecology of natural forests and woodlands, particularly landscape-vegetation relationships and vegetation dynamics and response to disturbance in natural habitats, and on wide experience in minesite revegetation throughout Australia and overseas.