Thermal imaging has confirmed a pocket of the Sunshine Coast is home to one of the largest koala populations in the region.
The drone-enabled surveyed found Reesville, west of Maleny, was one of the most densely populated koala habitats in the northern part of South-East Queensland.
Senior Research fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSc) Romane Cristescu said the survey detected 51 koalas stretched across just under 100 hectares of private land.
Dr Cristescu said the result significantly surpassed other regional estimates, which ranged from 0 to 22 koalas per 100 hectares.
“Our fabulous colleagues at UQ Koala Ecology Group, Sunshine Coast Council, and locals, had warned us there was something really special about Reesville koalas – and we were not disappointed,” she said.
“When the survey’s results tallied 51 koalas, the highest density we found on the Sunshine Coast so far, the whole team was so excited.”
She said the community of Reesville was passionate about protecting their koalas, so it made sense there were quite a few koalas calling Reesville home.”
“This result also confirms how important private land is to koala conservation.”
Dr Cristescu said the insights were important as koala breeding season began this month and continued until February.
She said during this time of increased movement for koalas people were encouraged to drive slowly in koala habitat areas and report sightings of injured or diseased animals.
How you can keep koalas safe:
- Call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or your local wildlife rescue if you spot sick/injured koalas.
- Keep your dog inside overnight and provide it with wildlife avoidance training.
- Slow down on the road and watch out for wildlife.
- Report healthy, sick, injured, or even deceased koalas on the free QWildlife app.
- Join a koala conservation or a habitat restoration group and take part in direct, on-the-ground actions.
Learn more about Sunshine Coast Council koala conservation initiatives.
