About Us

Dedicated to preserving and sharing Tasmania's wild natural heritage since 2005

Tasmania Untouched team exploring pristine wilderness

Our Story

Tasmania Untouched began with a chance encounter between two passionate conservationists, Dr. Margaret Wilson and field naturalist James Cooper, during a research expedition to the remote southwest wilderness in 2005. What started as a small volunteer-led initiative to document rare flora and fauna quickly evolved into a dedicated conservation organization when they discovered previously unrecorded populations of endangered Eastern Quolls in Tasmania's central highlands.

In the early days, our team operated from a small cabin near Cradle Mountain, conducting wildlife surveys and offering guided tours to fund our conservation work. Our reputation for exceptional knowledge of Tasmania's ecosystems and commitment to sustainable tourism practices attracted like-minded experts and enthusiasts from across Australia and beyond.

A significant turning point came in 2012 when our team's research on Tasmanian Devil populations contributed to crucial breakthroughs in understanding Devil Facial Tumor Disease. This work caught the attention of major conservation bodies and research institutions, enabling us to expand our initiatives and establish permanent research facilities in key habitats around the island.

Today, Tasmania Untouched has grown into a respected organization balancing scientific research, conservation advocacy, and immersive ecotourism experiences. Our team of biologists, ecologists, indigenous knowledge holders, and nature guides works collaboratively to document, protect, and celebrate Tasmania's extraordinary natural heritage, ensuring these pristine ecosystems remain intact for future generations.

Tasmania Untouched conservation project in action

Our Mission

Tasmania Untouched is dedicated to preserving, studying, and celebrating the unique biodiversity of Tasmania through ethical research, community engagement, and sustainable ecotourism. We strive to be the bridge connecting people with Tasmania's extraordinary natural environment while ensuring its protection for future generations.

Core Values

  • Scientific Integrity

    We base all our conservation decisions and recommendations on rigorous scientific research and evidence-based approaches.

  • Ecological Respect

    We operate with minimal impact principles, ensuring our presence in natural areas causes no harm to the ecosystems we study and protect.

  • Cultural Recognition

    We acknowledge and honor the deep connection and traditional knowledge of Tasmania's Aboriginal communities and incorporate indigenous perspectives in our conservation work.

  • Educational Excellence

    We believe in the transformative power of knowledge and strive to provide accurate, engaging, and inspiring information about Tasmania's natural heritage.

  • Collaborative Conservation

    We foster partnerships with local communities, government agencies, research institutions, and other conservation organizations to maximize our positive impact.

Meet Our Team

Dedicated professionals passionate about Tasmanian conservation

Dr. Margaret Wilson, Founder and Lead Ecologist

Dr. Margaret Wilson

Founder & Lead Ecologist

With over 25 years of experience studying Tasmanian ecosystems, Margaret leads our research initiatives and conservation planning. Her groundbreaking work on marsupial population dynamics has been published in leading scientific journals and has informed government policy on habitat protection.

James Cooper, Co-Founder and Field Operations Director

James Cooper

Co-Founder & Field Operations Director

A sixth-generation Tasmanian with unparalleled knowledge of the island's wilderness areas, James oversees our field expeditions and wildlife monitoring programs. His intimate understanding of Tasmania's landscape and wildlife behavior has been instrumental in documenting previously unknown species behaviors.

Dr. Amelia Chen, Marine Ecologist

Dr. Amelia Chen

Marine Ecologist

Specializing in Tasmania's unique marine ecosystems, Amelia leads our coastal and underwater research programs. Her pioneering work documenting the impacts of ocean warming on Tasmania's kelp forests has brought international attention to these threatened ecosystems and spearheaded restoration efforts.

Nathan Palawa, Indigenous Education Coordinator

Nathan Palawa

Indigenous Education Coordinator

A proud palawa man with deep connections to Tasmania's Aboriginal community, Nathan integrates traditional ecological knowledge into our conservation programs and educational initiatives. His cultural heritage tours provide visitors with a profound understanding of Tasmania's 40,000+ years of human history.

Our Achievements

Making a measurable difference for Tasmania's wilderness and wildlife

Wildlife Protection

  • Established 3 disease-free insurance populations of Tasmanian Devils
  • Documented 15 previously unrecorded breeding sites of endangered Eastern Quolls
  • Successfully rehabilitated and released 120+ injured and orphaned marsupials
  • Developed innovative non-invasive wildlife monitoring techniques now adopted nationally

Research & Education

  • Published 45+ peer-reviewed scientific papers on Tasmanian ecology
  • Educated over 25,000 visitors through immersive wilderness experiences
  • Developed curriculum materials now used in Tasmanian schools statewide
  • Created Australia's first comprehensive field guide to Tasmanian endemic invertebrates

Conservation Impact

  • Contributed key research that led to protection of 10,000+ hectares of old-growth forest
  • Partnered with 15 landowners to establish private conservation reserves
  • Restored 500+ hectares of degraded habitat through native replanting
  • Successfully advocated for expanded marine protected areas around Tasmania

What People Say

Experiences from visitors and partners who've joined our conservation journey

Sarah Johnson, Wildlife Photographer

"Tasmania Untouched's wildlife photography workshop completely transformed my approach to capturing animals in their natural habitat. Their guides' intimate knowledge of where and when to find elusive species resulted in the most extraordinary shooting opportunities I've ever experienced. Beyond technical skills, I gained a profound appreciation for Tasmania's ecological complexity."

Sarah Johnson

Wildlife Photographer, National Geographic

Professor David Thompson, Conservation Biologist

"Our university's partnership with Tasmania Untouched has provided our ecology students with unparalleled field research opportunities. Their team's scientific rigor combined with their passion for conservation education creates a truly immersive learning environment. The data collected through our collaborative monitoring programs has contributed significantly to multiple published studies on habitat resilience."

Professor David Thompson

Conservation Biology, University of Melbourne

Emma and Michael Lawson, Family Visitors

"Our family wilderness tour with Tasmania Untouched was the highlight of our Australian vacation. Watching our children's faces light up as they spotted their first wild platypus and learned about Tasmania's unique ecosystem was priceless. The guides were exceptionally knowledgeable and patient with our endless questions, making complex ecological concepts accessible and engaging for all ages."

Emma and Michael Lawson

Family Visitors from Canada

Join Our Conservation Journey

Whether you want to explore Tasmania's wilderness, participate in our research programs, or support our conservation efforts, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Us Today