KOALAS IN THE SNOWY MONARO REGION An iconic species cared for and supported by the local community
Where are they? A koala population occurs in rugged country to the east of Cooma, Bredbo and Michelago in the north eastern part of Southern Tablelands. We estimate that at least several hundred koalas occur over an area of approximately 100,000 hectares. This is a significant population nationally and is one of three known to be persisting in South Eastern NSW. The map above indicates the area through which the koala population extends. Most of the koalas occur on private land. This is why the local community has such a vital role to play in the conservation of the population. Dispersing and resident koalas Young koalas disperse from their mum’s home range and can journey large distances. When they are older they usually settle in a home range area, near to other resident koalas. All known populations in South Eastern NSW occur at low densities, so each area where resident koalas live may extend over hundreds of hectares. Breeding females and a dominant male usually form the core of the koala’s social system. The areas of residency can be widely scattered. They are of high conservation significance. Distinguishing between these areas and habitat used by dispersing animals is important. Evidence that usually indicates residency include: 1. Observation of a female with joey, or evidence of consistently large and small koala faecal pellets under the same tree 2. Several koalas calling at the same time 3. Areas where koala faecal pellets are easily found and are under lots of trees 4. Trees that are repeatedly visited (these are called home range trees), as evidenced by koala faecal pellets of different ages.
What is koala habitat? Evidence from field surveys indicate that the brittle and scribbly gums (E. mannifera and E rossi) and the manna or ribbon gum E. viminalis are the most important species for these koalas in this region. These species are relatively common in this part of NSW. The rough barked applebox E. brigesiana and snowgum E. pauciflora also provide important browse for koalas in care and may at times be important in the wild.
The koalas generally choose foliage from trees with higher levels of available nutrients and/or lower levels of compounds that deter browsing and which are often toxic. The koalas browse the foliage different eucalypt species, possibly because they need to switch between different food sources to reduce the risk of poisoning from ingesting a single class of poison. The koalas use all slope positions. Ridges and upper slopes are important, possibly because these offer a warmer microclimate than river and gully areas in cold winters. Bark Chewing – a recent discovery Scattered across Tablelands are patches of habitat where evidence of bark chewing can be observed on many trees. These koalas feed on the bark of the brittle gum –a unique aspect of their feeding ecology that has not been observed elsewhere. In these patches many trees have a small number of chewing incisions on their trunks, often just at koala head height when the animal is standing on the ground. Sometimes there are trees that have been visited repeatedly over many years that are extensively chewed. The extent of these markings is sometimes quite stunning, extending from the base of the tree to its highest branches.
Koala chew marks and (insert) koala pellets What do I do if I see a koala?
Seeing a koala is usually pretty exciting because it so rarely happens and they are such iconic animals. Information gathered from such sightings is important, so if you do see one try to remember the following: 1. The koala will probably be stressed, though it may not appear so. Talk softly and don’t remain there for an extended period. 2. If you have a dog with you please take it away immediately and restrain with a leash. 3. Try to photograph the koala and record the location of the sighting and the kind of tree the animals was in. 4. Look carefully at the animal: a) Does the koala have a joey with it? That’s really important. It’s the patches of habitat that are sustaining the breeding females that are the most important in the landscape. b) Does it appear to be a mature or young animal? c) Does it have a brown stain on the chest? That is the scent gland and indicates that it is a male. d) Does the koala have evidence of eye discharge or dark staining on the rump? This could be evidence of disease. We don’t know the extent of disease in the population and reporting these observations is important. Zoomed in photos of eyes and rump can assist diagnosis. e) Is the koala on the ground and having trouble moving, or low in a tree and not climbing higher? Is there any sign of blood or injury? Does the koala have a patch of wet fur? This could be the only indication of a serious dog attack. Any of these signs may indicate that the koala needs help from a wildlife carer. If you feel that the koala does or may need help please phone local koala rehabilitator James Fitzgerald via LAOKO 6456 1313 or Wildcare 6299 1966 at any time, day or night. Please email photos to [email protected] Threats facing the Tablelands koalas The Tablelands koalas face the following threats: 1. fire and drought these are exacerbated by climate change 2. dieback of the mannah gum E. viminalis, an important part of their habitat 3. dog and fox attacks 4. loss, fragmentation and degradation of their habitat 5. road vehicle collisions 6. disease, with the most significant diseases being associated with chlamydia Given the threat of fire to koalas the NSW Rural Fire Service have a vital role to play in the care of this population. Service staff have made a significant contribution to koala surveys, mainly in preparation for fire planning. In this photo below, they are searching for koala pellets in the Numeralla area before a planned fuel reduction burn. Managing the koala population A Koala Management Committee established by the Snowy Monaro Regional Council together with NSW government agencies and community reps guides the management of this population.
What you can do to help these koalas You can play an important role in supporting this population: Share your knowledge about these koalas Report any koala sighting or if you become aware of areas where manna gum are dying. Contact [email protected] For advice or rescue of orphaned, sick or injured koalas phone local koala rehabilitator James Fitzgerald via LAOKO 6456 1313 or Wildcare 6299 1966 Keep dogs on a leash when in or near koala habitat Read the brochure Information for Landholders if you own or manage koala habitat Support your local Tableland Koala Volunteer team – Contact: [email protected]
Together we can make a difference For More Information Koala Management Committee Snowy Monaro Regional Council 81 Commissioner Street, Cooma NSW 2630 Phone: 02 6455 1799 Email: [email protected] Web: www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au Koalas at a chew tree at Black Range east of Bredbo
250.2016.79.1 | Issue 28/06/2016 | Revision 28/06/2019