Thermal drones reveal hidden koalas in Southern Tablelands
Koalas have been sighted for the first time, in a previously undocumented area of the Southern Tablelands, during aerial surveys conducted by the NSW Government’s Local Land Services.
The use of thermal drones allowed researchers to record vision of koalas in Avonside, which could prove to be a vital discovery for the local koala population.
“We’re hopeful this population is disease-free, which would make it a vitally important part of the koala puzzle in the Southern Tablelands,” said Kirrily Gould, Land Services Officer at Local Land Services.
“The discovery also highlights the important role private landholders play in the rugged landscape when it comes to providing habitat for koalas.
“A lot of this country is very steep and isolated with few established tracks, which makes it ideal for koalas to stay safe and undisturbed,” Ms Gould added.
This year’s drone surveys identified eight koalas in the area for the first time and fresh scat samples have been sent for disease analysis.
Ms Gould encouraged local landholders to learn more about helping koalas by maintaining and enhancing the natural habitat.
“While working in the landscape, we saw that there’s very little understory, and much of the natural regrowth is being destroyed by feral deer rubbing on young trees and breaking them,” she said.
“Using tall tree guards and managing feral animals, including following up on deer control programs, are key ways landholders can help.”
The drone surveys were carried out as part of a disease study under the NSW Koala Strategy Regional Partnership, building on the Australian Government’s Koala Community Grants initiative.
Local Land Services has also worked with private landholders, or ‘citizen scientists’ to conduct annual audio surveys through the Avonside Koala Community Grant, which will continue this year as part of the Regional Partnership.
Local Land Services encourages landholders across the Southern Tablelands to get involved in this year’s ‘Koala Karaoke’ audio survey, which kicks off in November, by registering here.
Media Contact
Georgia Osland, Media & Public Affairs Officer | 0418 258 159 or georgia.osland@lls.nsw.gov.au