Research and Knowledge
Introduction
Scientists study the natural world to provide basic information that allows us to make well-founded conservation management decisions. This research can take many forms and is carried out in many government institutions and universities throughout Australia and the world. It can range from the detailed study of the ecology of a particular plant or animal, to more general research over a large area to determine where particular plant and animals can be found. Biological ResearchOne of the foundations of biological research is determining the relationships between different types of plants and animals. This is the science of Taxonomy and it involves a formal process of describing and naming the rich variety of species. Once a species has been described, the place it occupies in any given ecological community can be studied using the science of Ecology. Although we will obviously never know all there is to be learnt from biological research, there is now a very significant body of knowledge available on the plants and animals of South Australia, and this is increasingly being applied to a range of important conservation programs. A considerable amount of ecological research in South Australia is associated with the ongoing Biological Survey of South Australia, and Threatened Species. Permit to Undertake Scientific ResearchThe South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage encourages scientific research both within the State's system of conservation reserves, and on our protected native plants and animals. It is only through increased scientific understanding that we can develop a soundly based system of conservation management for the State. The Scientific Permit System meets the requirements for a number of South Australian Acts and is managed by the Biological Survey and Monitoring program. Permits are required to ensure that the taking of protected flora and fauna, and the use of reserves for research purposes does not impact on broader animal and plant populations or the environmental integrity of habitats. A record of all permits issued and reports on the results has been maintained since 1972. A Scientific Permit is required if the project falls under one or more of the following categories:
To view an example of the form link to Scientific Permit Application (50Kb PDF), however applications need to be submitted electronically. For an electronic version of the Scientific Permit Application form or for any enquires please email researchpermits@saugov.sa.gov.au Additional information relating to Scientific Permits, which should be read prior to filling out the form, is outlined in the documents below. See Scientific
Permit Standards Policy (150Kb PDF)
Exemptions from Scientific PermitsScientific permits are not required for research on captive-bred native animals and all non-native animals, however other permit requirements may still apply (eg requirements under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1985). Native invertebrate animals, fish and frogs except for the threatened frogs, Geocrinia laevis (Smooth Frog) and Litoria raniformis (Golden Bell Frog) are also exempt when outside of a reserve. Native fish species may need a permit from the Department of Fisheries. For exemptions relating to plants refer to "Plant Specimen Collecting" in Scientific Permit Standards Policy (100Kb PDF).
Other authorities may also require additional approvals. The granting of permits does not provide unrestricted access. Other authorities such as landowners, leaseholders and the regional Department for Environment and Heritage Offices will need to be contacted prior to commencing work. Other permits may also be required (eg in ForestrySA and SA Water reserves). Animal Ethics approvalResearch involving animals will also require South Australian Animal Ethics approval. The Department runs the Wildlife Animal Ethics Committee in conjunction with the South Australia Museum and the Adelaide Zoo. Interstate researchers or researchers who are not affiliated with another animal ethics committee are welcome to submit applications to the Wildlife Animal Ethics Committee who meet every six weeks. Guidelines to submitting an application, and an example of the application form (which consists of three parts) are provided below. Wildlife Ethics Committee Application: Part 1 (50Kb PDF); Part 2 (150Kb PDF); and Part 3 (50Kb PDF). See Wildlife Ethics Committee Application Guidelines (100Kb PDF) To get an electronic version of the Wildlife Ethics Committee ethics approval application form, or for any enquires, email researchpermits@saugov.sa.gov.au. Licence for Teaching, Research or Experimentation Involving AnimalsUnder the South Australian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1985 any organisation or person undertaking a research or teaching project involving animals within South Australia must obtain a Licence from the Office of Animal Welfare, Department for Environment and Heritage. If you are affiliated with a research institution check with them to see if they have a current Licence that you can work under before you apply. A copy of the application form and credit card payment for the Licence is provided below. For any enquires regarding this Licence contact (61 8) 8124 4800. See
Animal Welfare Licence Application (50Kb PDF)
Wildlife Conservation Fund GrantsThe South Australian Government's Wildlife Conservation Fund grants money annually for conservation and research projects concerned with South Australia'’s biodiversity. The 2008/09 round of funding opens 1 July 2008 and closes 1 August 2008. From 1 July, application forms and information will be available to download from this site. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications relating to conservation and research projects of wildlife in South Australia. Projects contributing to Goal 1 or Goal 3 within No Species Loss – a Nature Conservation Strategy for South Australia 2007-2017 are strongly encouraged. Projects should be capable of completion within one year, although continuing support may be available for projects of up to three years in duration where project brief and costings are supplied. Research institutions are encouraged to apply for supervised project funding at the Honours Degree, Masters Degree and PhD levels. Funding for individual projects will be capped at $10,000. Applicants need not possess formal qualifications and applications from individuals, groups or societies are welcomed. Applicants or their supporting bodies should possess an Australian Business Number. Helpful Documents:Please note that application form and guidelines will change for the 2008/09 round of grants. Documents available for download: MS Word version of the application form is available upon request. Further informationFor further information please contact: WCF Secretary Contact:Email: R Brandle |
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