Find the Best Fauna Spotter Catchers Near You

A fauna spotter catcher is a trained professional who identifies, monitors and manages wildlife presence on construction and development sites. These professionals are called in when workers on construction sites clear vegetation and accidentally interrupt native fauna. They employ various techniques to detect and handle native wildlife, minimising harm and maintaining ecological balance.

For example, clearing brush could easily expose you to possums, skinks, bettongs, beehives, snakes, frogs, lizards, echidnas and more. These professionals are qualified and licensed to capture and release wildlife. They can also administer emergency euthanasia with the right permits.

Fauna spotting is quite a specialised service, so it can be hard to find professionals who successfully handle animal encounters that could easily turn dangerous. It’s important for construction site developers to clear the environment in a way that preserves the health and safety of Australian wildlife. Fauna spotter catchers help you do exactly this.

With a fauna spotter catcher protecting your site, you can have peace of mind that the fauna will be humanely relocated, causing minimal disruptions to their food, shelter and reproductive needs.

Sometimes, construction site developers will rely on fauna spotter catcher services after they have begun a project. However, this can be disruptive for local animals and time-consuming for projects. It is best for construction site management to hire a fauna spotter catcher prior to site clearing.

Many fauna spotter catchers have expertise in site construction to help developers preserve the natural balance of the land they are clearing.

To become a fauna spotter catcher, you must be licensed and qualified to handle specific types of wildlife. They should also be knowledgeable about the biological impacts of construction development and skilled in site evaluation.

Often, experienced ecologists who want to become a fauna spotter catcher will complete a nationally accredited course that provides learnings about safety standards in the mining and construction industry, legislative requirements for fauna management, and First Aid procedures, just to name a few.

However, fauna spotter catchers are usually far more experienced and pursue much more than this type of accreditation. Generally, wildlife spotters will:

• Have experience, both in theory and practice, handling wildlife
• Hold a motor vehicle licence
• Be vaccinated against the Australian Bat Lyssavirus
• Have an updated Tetanus vaccination
• Know how to handle venomous snakes
• Understand and be able to operate chainsaws

Have completed the Occupational Health and Safety Induction Training for the Construction Industry The good news is that land clearing is a requirement by local, state and federal legislation. As such, it’s unlikely that a project can proceed without the expertise of fauna spotter catcher services. You’ll need a professional fauna spotter catcher to inspect the site before clearing and to be present while the clearing operations occur.

Fauna spotter catcher services may differ from company to company. Generally, fauna spotter catcher companies will offer expertise in:

• Locating and identifying species using specialised tracking techniques (Elliot tracking, Cage trapping, Pitfall trapping etc.)
• Identifying suitable habitats for release
• Managing on-ground wildlife issues, including rare and threatened species
• Creating and providing custom-made nesting boxes of various sizes for installation
• Monitoring and reporting
• Pre-clearance site evaluations and surveys
• Fauna rescue and risk assessments
• Delivering post-clearing reports
• Ensuring that developers are complying with regulatory requirements

iseekplant has a nationwide network of quality fauna spotter catchers operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane to Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer fauna spotter catching in all major towns and cities from Mackay down to the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Bendigo and Hobart.

There are so many things to handle and manage when organising a site clearing. Fauna spotter catchers across Australia can help you lighten the load and keep native animal species safe. Simply use the iseekplant Get a Quote tool to get the best fauna spotter catcher services right at your fingertips. You can also call us on 1300 691 912 or email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au for more information.

Hiring a fauna spotter catcher is essential for projects located in or near natural habitats, especially where protected or endangered species may be present. This includes construction in bushlands, near waterways or areas with known wildlife populations. Their services are crucial in complying with environmental laws and preventing harm to local fauna during construction activities.

The cost of hiring a fauna spotter catcher varies based on the project's location, duration, and specific requirements. On average, hourly rates can range from $50 to $100, while daily rates might be between $400 and $800. For accurate pricing based on your project's needs, use our Get a Quote tool to get tailored estimates from our suppliers.

Fauna spotter catchers ensure animal safety by assessing potential risks to wildlife, implementing exclusion zones, conducting regular site inspections and creating rescue and relocation plans for animals found on-site. They use humane methods for handling and relocating animals, aiming to minimise stress and disruption to their natural behaviours.

Projects that generally require fauna spotter catchers include construction in ecologically sensitive areas, road and infrastructure development near natural habitats, mining operations and urban development near wildlife corridors. Any project that poses a potential risk to local wildlife may benefit from their expertise.

Yes, fauna spotter catchers are trained and often licensed to safely relocate animals when necessary. Relocation is done following strict guidelines to ensure the welfare of the animals and to maintain ecological balance. They work closely with local wildlife authorities to ensure relocations are carried out legally and ethically.

Fauna spotters are environmental specialists responsible for identifying, monitoring, and protecting wildlife on or near construction and development sites. Their role ensures projects comply with environmental regulations and minimise impacts on native species.

Key responsibilities of fauna spotters

• Site monitoring: Surveying and observing fauna before and during construction activities
• Identification: Recognising native and protected species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians
• Relocation and protection: Guiding safe relocation of animals if necessary and ensuring buffer zones are maintained
• Reporting and documentation: Recording sightings, incidents, and compliance with environmental management plans
• Advising crews: Providing guidance to construction teams on avoiding disturbance to wildlife

Fauna spotters help ensure construction activities are environmentally responsible, legally compliant, and minimise harm to local ecosystems.

Fauna spotters primarily handle native and protected wildlife that may be encountered on or near construction sites. Their role is generally observational and protective, rather than for general animal control.

Common animals managed by fauna spotters

• Mammals: Possums, koalas, bats, wallabies, and small marsupials
• Birds: Native and protected species nesting or feeding on site
• Reptiles: Snakes, lizards, turtles, and skinks
• Amphibians: Frogs or toads in wetland or drainage areas
• Invertebrates (special cases): Certain threatened insects or spiders during ecological assessments

Fauna spotters typically identify, monitor, and, if necessary, guide the safe relocation of these animals, ensuring minimal stress and compliance with environmental and wildlife protection laws.

Yes, fauna spotters are typically licenced or accredited to work with native and protected wildlife, ensuring they comply with environmental and animal welfare regulations.

Key points about fauna spotter licencing

• State or territory permits: Required to handle, relocate, or interfere with protected species
• Training and accreditation: Usually includes wildlife identification, handling techniques, and occupational safety
• Compliance with environmental laws: Ensures fauna management aligns with Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and council or state regulations
• Workplace safety certification: Many fauna spotters also hold site-specific safety inductions and permits to operate on construction sites

Licensing ensures fauna spotters protect both wildlife and workers while maintaining legal compliance during construction or land development activities.