Koala ecologist Phil Spark is turning his focus on koala sightings to the slopes area from Barraba to Wallabadah. “It’s an area that we have very few records of koalas and we know that they are being seen more often,” said Phil.
“We would like to start investigating and target sites for koala surveying in this area to understand the population and its health.” To do this community members are asked to report any sightings of koalas.
Koalas are currently listed as vulnerable by both NSW and Commonwealth Governments. Inland NSW koalas are under threat due to heatwaves, habitat fragmentation and disease such as chlamydia.
A NSW Inland Koala Conservation Workshop in Gunnedah was held recently as part of the Kamilaroi Guda Koalas Project. Phil reported his recent koala survey results in the Gunnedah area as part of the Kamilaroi Guda Koalas project.
Koala experts from around the state attended the NSW Inland Koala Conservation Workshop, co-hosted by the Local Land Services. The day brought experts together to share the latest information and challenges facing inland NSW koala conservation. Sixteen speakers discussed how they have been working on koalas in the inland region and what their recommendations for the future are. Deliberations inlcuded what activities should be focused on to secure the inland population.
If you spot a koala in the Barraba area, or the North west slopes region generally, please contact Angela Baker on [email protected] or 0429 368 693. For more information on the Kamilaroi Guda Koalas Project, visit the project page on the LLS North West website (lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/north-west/key-projects/kamilaroi-guda-koalas).