Last month, Osborne Aviation Services teamed with the national species discovery project Bush Blitz on a biological expedition to the remote western region of Tasmania known as the Tarkine. The Bush Blitz programme coordinates scientific field expeditions to the most environmentally significant and often remotest locations in Australia. Their aim is to document the amazing plants and animals of these areas but most importantly to discover new species. A team of 14 scientists were flown between roughly a dozen remote landing sites throughout the Tarkine searching for and collecting everything from plants and reptiles to spiders and insects. The scientist also sampled fish and water bugs in remote rivers in the Tarkine region. We have been told a number of new species have definitely been discovered.
“For Chris and I, Tim was instrumental in us being able to locate suitable sites for us to perform our field work. Not only is Tim obviously a highly skilled helicopter pilot, but he has an ability to understand the logistical needs of scientists performing work in remote areas and to provide invaluable support.” – Dr Scott Hardie (Senior Aquatic Ecologist)
“ It was a great experience for me to learn about the Tarkine wilderness from an experienced team who could explain to me all the different characteristics of this unique environment. I thoroughly enjoyed my ten days with the Bush Blitz crew.” – Tim Cain (Project Pilot)
To find out more about Bush Blitz, click here to check out their website.
Bush Blitz is a partnership Programme between the Australian Government, BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities and Earthwatch Australia.