26 September 2023

Koala to bear national census

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The Minister for the Environment has announced that a national audit of koala populations is to be conducted as a step towards protecting one of the nation’s most popular species.

The Minister, Sussan Ley said the project would include health research and medical support for the koalas as well as restoration of key habitat sites.

“For all our focus on koalas, scientists are telling us that there is a serious lack of data about where populations actually are, how they are faring and the best ways to help them recover after the devastating bushfires,” Ms Ley said.

“This package will be devoted to filling those gaps, identifying where koala habitat areas can be expanded and establishing an annual monitoring program,” she said.

Threatened Species Commissioner, Sally Box welcomed the initiative saying it came at a critical time for the koalas, following the devastating bushfires which killed and injured thousands.

“By understanding where koalas are persisting, how they are using the remaining habitat and how they are responding to the fire impacted landscape, we can tailor on-ground efforts to ensure that action is focused where it is needed most,” Dr Box said.

“This package will really boost efforts to better understand the koala and support us in protecting this remarkable species into the future.”

Chair of the Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Emeritus Professor Helene Marsh, said that despite their iconic status, there was still much to learn about koalas.

“State and territory agencies, researchers and community groups are collecting much valuable information but there are still gaps and there is a need for national coordination and reporting,” Professor Marsh said.

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