SERVICING AUSTRALIA WIDE
- Pre-clearance Surveys
- Aquatic & Terrestrial Services
- Land Clearing Observing & Monitoring
- Fauna Translocation
Mitigate the impact your land clearing works have on native fauna while ensuring compliance of local, state and national environmental conditions in a cost-effective and efficient way that doesn’t affect project delivery.
Reduce down time when wildlife is encountered on your worksite
The fauna spotter catcher service provides protection to fauna during vegetation clearing. A fauna spotter catcher’s role typically involves the identification, capture and translocation of wildlife that may be directly impacted by any proposed development works.
Why do clients need this service?
It is a requirement under the Qld Nature Conservation Act 1992 and generally a condition of environmental approval that a fauna spotter catcher be present when vegetation clearing is undertaken as part of planned works.
In addition, a fauna spotter may also be required to conduct pre-clearing assessments of the work site to gain an understanding of the potential wildlife present in the area. This is generally backed up with a pre-clear report that is written by the fauna spotter and provided to the client in alignment with the Act guidelines. After clearing is complete, a post-clear report is also required in most circumstances.
Fauna spotters are important to ensure your project poses minimal threat to native wildlife.
Who can we help
We will provide fauna spotter catcher services for any land clearing activity and for any company or organisation.
- Infrastructure development
- Large-scale mining and construction projects
- General land-clearing activities
Our team is experienced in the capture and handling of a wide range of fauna. Furthermore, all staff hold the required qualifications and licenses to catch wildlife in Queensland.
Our team’s multidisciplinary experience and ongoing relationships with government agencies mean we deliver proven results for our clients and work closely with them to achieve this within project constraints, costs and timeframes.
Do you require a fauna spotter catcher for your planned clearing works?
Get in touchOur fauna spotter catcher capabilities include:
- Pre-clearance Surveys
- Aquatic & Terrestrial Services
- Land Clearing Observing & Monitoring
- Fauna Translocation
Where do we offer these services?
Four Elements Consulting has extensive project experience conducting fauna spotter catching across Queensland and parts of the Northern Territory. With this said, our highly skilled team are experienced in the capture of wildlife across all states and can provide these services wherever it is required.
Understanding Our Process: Clear, Efficient, and Effective Solution
Pre-clearing
A licenced fauna spotter catcher will attend the site prior to planned clearing and conduct a pre-clearance assessment. This involves locating and identifying any potential wildlife habitat, such as roosts, burrows, epiphyte habitat, loose bark, tree hollows, signs of breeding, and nests. The spotter catcher will clearly mark these features using flagging tape to ensure they are delineated to all site personnel.
A pre-clear report will then be compiled to describe, map and provide protection to the observed fauna features. These reports will contain recommendations to the clearing team and client that are to be followed to avoid impacts to native fauna.
During clearing
On the day of proposed clearing works, the fauna spotter catcher will work closely with machine operators and arborists by:
- Inducting site workers to the process
- Constantly observing and monitoring all areas of clearing from a safe distance
- Identifying and capturing all displaced/injured wildlife during the works
- Upholding safety protocols
Post-clearing
Captured fauna will be recorded and relocated to the most appropriate habitat area available based on the ecology of the species. All data collected, including release points (GPS coordinates), will be provided to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation in a post-clear report to satisfy approval conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fauna Spotter Catcher?
The fauna spotter catcher service provides protection to fauna during vegetation clearing. A fauna spotter catcher’s role typically involves the identification, capture and translocation of wildlife that may be directly impacted by any proposed development works.
How much does it cost to hire a fauna spotter catcher?
The cost can vary depending on the complexity of the job, the type of work involved, and the location. Contact us today for a customised quote based on your project’s needs.
How long does the process take?
The duration depends on the specifics of the job, including the size and duration of the project, the industry involved, and the type of hired work. A simple relocation may take a few hours, while larger projects (e.g. construction site assessments) may require several days or weeks.
What do I need to prepare to have a fauna spotter catcher work on site?
To prepare for a fauna spotter, you will only be required to provide site access, communicate with our consultants about the job details, and ensure appropriate health and safety protocols are in place. 4 Elements Consulting will arrange the rest!
Can you access remote locations?
Yes, our team have extensive experience working in remote areas and challenging conditions.
What types of animals do fauna spotter catchers handle?
Our experts handle a variety of animals, including birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians. Common species include possums, snakes, birds, and other wildlife found in urban or construction sites.
Are the animals handled humanely?
Yes, we adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure humane handling, relocation, and care of wildlife in compliance with all state and national legislation.
Why do I need to have a fauna spotter?
It is a requirement under the Qld Nature Conservation Act 1992 and generally a condition of environmental approval that a fauna spotter catcher be present when vegetation clearing is undertaken as part of planned works.
In addition, a fauna spotter may also be required to conduct pre-clearing assessments of the work site to gain an understanding of the potential wildlife present in the area. This is generally backed up with a pre-clear report that is written by the fauna spotter and provided to the client in alignment with the Act guidelines. After clearing is complete, a post-clear report is also required in most circumstances.
Fauna spotters are important to ensure your project poses minimal threat to native wildlife.
Where do you provide this service?
4 Elements has extensive project experience conducting fauna spotter catching across Queensland and parts of the Northern Territory. With this said, our highly skilled team are experienced in the capture of wildlife across all states and can provide these services wherever it is required.
Who do you provide this service for?
- Infrastructure development
- Large-scale mining and construction projects
- General land-clearing activities
What is the relevant legislation?
- Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
- Queensland legislation:
- Nature Conservation Act 1992
- Vegetation Management Act 1999
- Planning Act 2016
- State Policy for Vegetation Management
- Northern Territory legislation:
- Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976
Key relevant project experience
Some examples of our Fauna Spotter Catcher experience:
- Mount Emerald Wind Farm – Conducted fauna spotter work for the clearing of vegetation for turbine pads and site access roads.
- Smithfield Bypass – Undertook fauna spotting for all areas of land cleared for the construction of the bypass road, including the capture of aquatic animals under a creek de-watering activity.
- Metro Mining – Skardon River Bauxite Mine – Provided pre-clearance assessments and fauna spotting during vegetation clearance works.
- Northern Sands Dredge Project – Provided fauna spotting for vegetation clearing at the Northern Sands quarry in areas lining the dredge lakes where expansion works were conducted. 4 Elements successfully undertook fauna spotter catcher services, translocating several wildlife species, particularly snakes, from the construction and general works areas.
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Our qualifications and experience
All 4 Elements fauna spotter catchers are fully qualified to provide this service, having completed specialised training, gained extensive experience in wildlife handling, obtained the necessary permits from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, and developed a thorough understanding of local wildlife laws and regulations.
We guarantee the most efficient and humane fauna spotter catching services to facilitate your planned clearing works.
Discover the 4 Elements Difference
At 4 Elements, our highly skilled team have an extensive knowledge base of native fauna ecology across multiple bioregions and the demonstrated fauna catcher experience to prove it. We employ science-led techniques and the highest ethical standards to mitigate impacts on wildlife. 4 Elements is committed to prioritising the welfare of all wildlife whilst fostering seamless project operations.
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