Sulfur-Crested Secretary

15 January 2026

Fauna Data Entry App for HWR Rescuers & Carers

The Sulphur-Crested Secretary (SCS) is a simple, optional web-based app that was designed by member, Drew Edwards, to make fauna data entry easier, faster and more accurate for Hunter Wildlife Rescue members.

It supports rescuers and carers by reducing paperwork, preventing lost notes, and simplifying the process of recording animal data — especially when caring for multiple animals.

Importantly, SCS does not replace HWR or NPWS reporting requirements. It simply helps manage data before the monthly spreadsheet is generated.

At the end of each month, the system still generates the standard spreadsheet that is emailed to Fauna Data — so no external reporting processes change.

In addition to managing all the existing reportable data, the system has some added features for carers including storing screenshots, diary entries for multiple weights and other progress notes made during animal care, recording GPS position for releases, as well as providing an easy way to transfer fauna between carers.

How To Use

Getting Started

  • Sign up and access here: https://ad-le.com/scs/index.php
  • Save it to your home screen on your device or bookmark it in your desktop internet browser for easy access in future.
  • You can try the website out, and create and edit fake animals. without affecting any data by using the test login that is available on the help page
  • Try it on your next rescue or vet pickup and see if it helps

If it doesn’t suit your workflow — that’s completely okay.

Preferred workflow

This preferred workflow (the best-case scenario) saves carers from re-entering data and ensures nothing is lost in transit. The transporter or rescuer collects the animal from vet or MOP, or conducts rescue, then will generally be faced with one of these three scenarios:

  • Transporter records the info into SCS app, leaving the ‘fate’ box empty.
  • Transporter then ‘transfers’ the info to the carer by clicking the ‘transfer to carer’ button.
  • Carer is responsible for completing the ‘fate’ box and exporting then emailing the info to the data coordinator at month end.

  • Simply choose the fate/outcome of “In Care”
  • Record the name of the carer you transferred to in the animal notes.
  • Then archive it

Archive Animal – archives it from your dashboard. You will still see and access the animal through the reporting page.

  • Transporter then records the info into SCS app, including fate.
  • Fate options: In care, Advice provided, Could not locate for rescue, Dead prior to arriving, Died in care, Escaped from care, EU, Evaded capture, Left & observed, Permanent care, Rehomed, Released, Relocated, Resolved by vets, Returned to owner, Reunited with parents.
  • Transporter is responsible for exporting the data and emailing to the data coordinator at month end.

Frequently Asked Questions

SCS is completely optional.

  • Ideal for carers managing multiple animals

  • Helpful for transporters who regularly deliver to carers using SCS

  • Not required if you prefer spreadsheets or handwritten notes

If you don’t want to use the app, nothing changes — screenshots, WIRES vet notepads and spreadsheets are still acceptable.

An animal should be entered into SCS if either of the following apply:

  • The animal remains with you for 24 hours or more, OR

  • The animal has an outcome with you, such as:

    • Euthanasia

    • Died in care

    • Released

    • Not found

    • Flew off

    • Deceased on arrival

This applies whether you are a transporter or a carer.

No.

Only animals that:

  • Stay with you for 24+ hours, OR

  • Have an outcome with you

If the animal is being transferred to a carer using SCS, it’s helpful (but not mandatory) for the transporter to start the entry.

No.

At the end of each month, a standard spreadsheet is still generated and emailed to Fauna Data, exactly as required.

No. SCS is optional and designed to support those who find it easier.

That’s okay — the system is flexible, and notes can be added. The goal is support, not perfection.