Rewilding the Desert - Little Desert Nature Lodge
Nhill, Victoria

Rewilding the Desert is a partnership between Conservation Volunteers Australia and FAUNA Research Alliance that ambitiously aims to bring back from the brink some of Australia’s most threatened wildlife by experimentally reintroducing locally extinct  species into our two predator proof enclosures so we can: help conserve this unique wildlife; research and demonstrate the important ecological functions they provide, and; provide opportunities for hands-on learning that purposefully connects people with nature.

Across Conservation Volunteers Australia’s three properties in the Little Desert Region of western Victoria, Australia we have a unique suite of infrastructure that will enable our vision, this includes:

• Three wilderness properties adjoining the Little Desert National Park, totalling more than 1,500   hectares.
• Two 120 hectare electrified predator proof enclosures where we will conduct a proof of concept rewilding trial.
• A variety of accommodation, catering and function options.

Prior to releasing animals we need to collect data on the current status of the ecosystem and the species that live in it. To do this we are establishing a baseline environmental monitoring program to count, measure and collect information on the mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, soil productivity & habitat structure. 

Amidst the natural beauty of the remote Wimmera landscape come and participate in a scientifically rigorous monitoring and research program that is going to help conserve some of Australia’s amazing wildlife. In this project you will be conducting wildlife & habitat monitoring surveys,  including:

• Pitfall, cage and camera trapping,
• Reptile & herbivore surveys, and
• Habitat and soil productivity measures.