Come on a fassss-cinating walk and talk, followed by morning tea in the field. Friendly snakes may make an appearance!
In celebration of National Science Week 2024, join local experts Professor Jonathon Webb (School of Life Sciences, The University of Technology Sydney) and Jack Hind (Herpetologist, Shoalhaven Landcare) for a forest walk and exploration of the Shoalhaven Landcare Association’s pilot project installing false rock habitats on the Bundanon Homestead escarpment. Any biting questions from the walk? Chat further over morning tea.
The Broad-headed snake is an endangered species, largely due to its unique habitat requirements. Residing under rocks on north facing sandstone escarpments, its habitat is threatened by environmental destruction and the illegal theft of bush rocks, as well as poaching.
Bundanon has been working with Shoalhaven Landcare Association for several years to build and maintain habitats for these creatures across the Bundanon property.
Please wear sturdy walking shoes and outdoor attire including a hat.
Jack Hinde
Jack Hinde is an environmental educator and local high school science teacher, with a passion for conservation and reptiles. He completed his tertiary studies in ecology, education, and Indigenous archaeology at the Wollongong, Canberra, and New England Universities.
He has since worked in academia, and been instrumental in numerous conservation projects, including Bundanon’s own rewilding initiatives. Jack has a deep interest in herpetology and has been captive breeding Broad-headed Snakes for a number of years to assist in their recovery as an endangered species.
Jonathan Webb (School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney)
Jonathan is a wildlife ecologist with expertise in reptiles and mammals, and the biology of invasive species.
His current research focuses on elucidating the impacts of the 2019-2020 wildfires on reptiles and restoring degraded habitats for endangered broad-headed snakes Jonathan teaches the micro-credential “Wildlife Field Techniques: Animal Handling and Survey Methods” with industry partner Sssafe which equips participants with the skills and confidence to carry out wildlife surveys, and to capture, handle and transport wildlife safely and humanely in a range of workplace situations.
National Science Week 2024
Established in 1997, National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Running each year in August, it features more than 1000 events around Australia, including those delivered by universities, schools, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres.
This year’s program celebrates Australia’s love of our wildlife, a growing value for Traditional Knowledge, and our fascination with our technological future.