Wildlife Ethics Committee

Anyone using animals for research, experimentation, or the teaching of science must be licenced to do so by the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water and have approval from a South Australian Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).

Department for Environment and Water (DEW), Zoos SA and the South Australian Museum have formed a combined animal ethics committee, the Wildlife Ethics Committee (WEC). This committee has the relevant expertise to ensure that wildlife research complies with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition (2013).

Who should use the Wildlife Ethics Committee?

In addition to DEW, Zoos SA and the South Australian Museum the WEC can process applications from any individuals or institution that do not otherwise have access to a constituted South Australian animal ethics committee. This is defined when applying for an Animal Welfare Research and Teaching Licence. Every licence to use animals for teaching or research stipulates that a project must be approved by the Animal Ethics Committee as directed on the licence.

Role of the Committee

The WEC assesses whether or not the use of the animals is justified, that the welfare of those animals is protected, and that the principles of the 3Rs - replacement, reduction and refinement are incorporated into any research proposal.

WEC meeting cycle

The WEC meets approximately every eight weeks. You must submit applications to the executive officer by the submission deadlines listed in the table below, to allow for circulation and committee reading time.

How to apply

For standard vertebrate monitoring and baseline surveys refer to:

• fauna survey application

For all other wildlife research, refer to:

• wildlife studies application form

For guidance on preparing a successful application refer to:

• guidelines for submitting an application

State-wide Approval

If multiple fauna surveys are conducted around the state by the same researchers using the same methodology, they may be eligible for a state-wide approval. For more details including eligibility refer to:

• guidelines for lodging a wildlife ethics application for state-wide fauna surveys

Mandatory training

Researchers and participants must undertake the Wildlife Ethics Committee online training before commencing a project. The training ensures personnel involved in the project are familiar with the WEC policies for wildlife research.

Once an application has been received, you will be invited to undertake the WEC online training.

Other forms

Often throughout the course of an approved project, there will be times where reporting to the WEC or requesting a minor change is required. The appropriate forms can be found below:

• Annual progress and final project reporting for all projects
• Minor amendment to approved project
• Adverse incident report

Submit your application to the Wildlife Ethics Committee Executive Officer at DEW.WildlifeEthicsCommittee@sa.gov.au.

Supporting documents and information

• Conflict of Interest procedure
• New member procedure
• Researcher competency procedure
• Collaborative agreement procedure
• Terms of Reference (explains the scope and functions of the Wildlife Ethics Committee)
• Complaints, grievances and compliance
• Policies for wildlife research

Enquiries

• Email: DEW.WildlifeEthicsCommittee@sa.gov.au
• Phone: (08) 8463 6851