Home Institution

University of Maine

Publication Date

Fall 2023

Program Name

Australia: Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology

Abstract

This study, conducted at the Tolga Bat Hospital in North Queensland, Australia, focuses on analyzing the stress levels of volunteers hand-rearing juvenile spectacled flying foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus). Given the endangered status of this species and the intensive care required for their rehabilitation, the research aimed to understand the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of the volunteers engaged in this demanding conservation work. The study was conducted over a five-day period during the peak pupping season in November 2023, utilizing self-administered questionnaires to assess the well-being and stress levels of volunteers both before and after their nursing sessions. The participants, primarily from various professional backgrounds and countries, provided insights into their experiences at the hospital, including the physical demands of feeding and cleaning tasks, and the emotional and mental impacts of their work. The results indicated varied responses to the tasks, with some volunteers reporting increased well-being and reduced stress levels, while others experienced the opposite. Notably, the study faced limitations due to its small sample size, suggesting the need for caution in generalizing the findings. Despite these limitations, the study contributes valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of wildlife rehabilitation and underscores the importance of supporting the well-being of volunteers in conservation efforts.

Disciplines

Community-Based Learning | Environmental Education | Research Methods in Life Sciences | Social Psychology | Social Psychology and Interaction

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