If we could research ecology in our sleep, we probably would.
It is our passion and our life’s work – much more than just a job or a business.
Whether we are on the clock, working for a client, or in our leisure time, we are always taking note of our surroundings.
What exactly is ecology research?
Ecology research is the study of organisms (plants and animals) and how they interface with the environment around them.
What happens with the information you collect?
At Boobook Ecological Consulting, we have a huge herbarium (collection of plants) with over 3,000 plant specimens. We also have leaf litter, collected over many years, that we continue to sort (to be searched for native land snails) and bags of owl pellets that we are slowly breaking down to check what critters they have consumed in the area.
We have thousands upon thousands of individual species records, a huge image library and a desk top drawer of research projects we would love to share as opportunities arise.
We also continue to submit plant samples to the Queensland Herbarium and fauna specimen collections to the Queensland Museum.
Whilst we are humble in our knowledge, our passion, excitement and thirst for new discoveries and knowledge shine through. Many people in our community have joined in our journey, often bringing in samples or calling to share or learn more about their new finds.
What kinds of things have you learnt?
Some of the findings from our most recently conducted ecology research – often in partnership with community members – includes:
- New locality records for threatened fauna species such as Greater glider, Squatter pigeon, Glossy black cockatoo, Painted honeyeater, Yakka skink, Dunmall’s snake, Dulacca woodland snail and Brigalow woodland snail
- New plant species discoveries
- New locality records for threatened flora records such as the Cracow wattle (Acacia calantha), Isla Gorge wattle (A. islana) and swamp tea-tree (Melaleuca irbyana)
- Range extensions for many plant and animal species
We have also had the opportunity to document many plants and animals in significant habitats (e.g. vine thickets, scree slopes, springs and sandstone gorges) and assist with the collection of specimens for spider researchers studying the trapdoor genus Aname.
To discuss your next research project, contact us.
