Waterhouse Club Expeditioners Survey Nullarbor Caves
The Waterhouse Club supports South Australian Museum researchers and advances the Museum’s scientific mission. One of the ways members contribute is by joining field expeditions alongside scientists.
This year, Club members accompanied Dr Jess Marsh, an entomologist, Dr Liz Reed, a palaeontologist, and colleagues to survey several Nullarbor caves for cave-adapted insects and subfossil material.
Ancient Land Tours scientist Dr Steve Milner joined the team to assist with underground surveys and guide expeditioners safely into and out of the cave systems. Participants used caving helmets, lights and safety harnesses, and were belayed on ladders during vertical sections.
Early findings are encouraging. The team observed blind spiders, collected animal scats and recovered bones from owl roosts. This material will help researchers identify the animals currently being eaten by owls in the area.
This kind of citizen science engagement sits at the heart of Ancient Land Tours: learning, observing and recording the natural environment with purpose and curiosity.
Learn more about the Waterhouse Club and its scientific expeditions.
Planning scientific fieldwork in the Nullarbor or Far West South Australia? Discover how Ancient Land Tours can assist with research and specialist field support.