Gum Tips March 2020

Learn more Update News WILD KOALA BUSHFIRE WILDLIFE DRINKING BREEDING PROGRAM VICTIMS STATIONS REPORT BY CLINICAL DIRECTOR, CHEYNE FLANAGAN

Where does one start? those who remain alive and are and koalas consequently cannot has been in the grip of the worst struggling to survive. We weep for get enough water. Koalas are then drought in recorded history with them all. forced to go to ground seeking rivers literally stopping flowing, water which of course is often hard For the wild koalas of New South to find. This is why we often see dams drying out, eucalypts Wales (NSW) the impact of footage of koalas chasing people dying and so many species of bushfires and drought has had on bicycles. They can smell the wildlife dying of starvation and a major impact on the overall water in the drink bottles and the dehydration. And then along came population. Well over 30% of fear of humans is overridden by the bushfires. identified koala habitat in NSW the need for water. The only way to describe these has been wiped out in bushfires bushfires is hell on earth. so far. The overall loss is still to be In recent times, one of the common Armageddon. It has been horrific, estimated. Nonetheless it is likely causes of admission to care has terrifying and so heartbreaking. that approximately 2,000 koalas been extremely dehydrated and From October 2019 through to may have died. starving koalas particularly into facilities in western NSW. The same January 2020, it felt like the whole The drought affecting Australia and problem is reflected in all other country was on fire with every particularly NSW, which has been species such as kangaroos, flying news media outlet showing footage occurring for a number of years foxes (bats) and even birds who are that was just unbelievable. has certainly had a major impact also suffering just the same. From a wildlife perspective and of on koala populations particularly course from a koala perspective, on the tablelands and western So all our koalas and other wildlife the impact on our unique and plains regions of the state. were already struggling with drought – and the bushfires were beautiful wildlife is still largely Koalas obtain the majority of just the last straw. unknown. It is likely some species their daily water needs from the have been wiped out completely. eucalypt leaves themselves, and When the bushfires first hit our We despair for so many millions when severe drought occurs, even region, they were of such high of animals who have perished and the eucalypts struggle to survive intensity and so big they created

Front cover images show some of our bushfire victims. Clockwise from top left: LINR Samantha and Joey, LINR Anwen, Ruins Way Baz, Nabiac Austin, LINR Paul. Anwen, Baz, Austin and Paul were all burnt in bushfires; at time of print they continue to recover at the Koala Hospital. Samantha and Joey did not suffer burns but were left homeless by the bushfires. They are two of many koalas being cared for at the Hospital until their bushland homes regenerate enough to sustain them.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P2 their own weather! The skies seemed like there was a conveyor future is one of permanent pain looked like an atomic bomb had belt of koala patients coming and suffering. through the doors! hit, and the smoke was so thick it Every animal is precious to us in was almost dark in the middle of Sadly not all the koala patients who more ways than one. the day. came into the hospital survived We must also appreciate that Our search and rescue teams their ordeal. It is likely their we still had and still have all our started to prepare. All of our systems were so compromised normal patients being admitted team are fully qualified with Rural from the drought, that suffering during this time. Koalas were still Fire Service, have all the correct burns as well was just too much coming in being hit by cars and fire gear and are experienced in for some. We also had to make suffering from diseases, etc. undertaking this gruelling, hot the decision to euthanase a few We have also taken burns patients difficult job. Once the teams were of them as their injuries were too from other locations in NSW as well allowed in, the search work began. severe. Everyone will remember so the hospital is still at capacity. the haunting footage of the koala Burnt koalas began to be brought We have had to resort to building running into the active fire and the into the hospital for assessment off site enclosures on private land kind lady who ripped off her shirt and treatment. We were also to accommodate all the patients! and captured him from the flames. treating kangaroos, possums, and That koala was Ellenborough Lewis We will be keeping the burns turtles. and his burns injuries were such patients here until at least next We had so many burnt patients that even with the best burns winter. Their injuries should have coming in, we decided to set up treatment available for koalas healed well by then, plus hopefully a second examination table and he would have suffered a life of the vegetation on the firegrounds anaesthetic machine and we had pain. The Koala Hospital is first will have returned. two teams of qualified/experienced and foremost an animal welfare We have had some magnificent burns staff treating koalas on both organisation and we will never rain in NSW but not enough to tables at the same time. It almost keep an animal alive if we feel the break the drought.

CONTENTS

Report by Clinical Director, Cheyne Flanagan...... 2 Providing water to wildlife...... 12 Report by President, Sue Ashton...... 5 Impact of recent bushfires…...... 14 The koala burns ward (bushfire victims)...... 6 Trees for life...... 16 Fires drive new era for Koala Hospital...... 8 Koala Smart...... 17 Wild koala breeding program...... 10 Young voices...... 18 Brand new Koala Hospital…...... 11 Extraordinary generosity...... 19

Erratum: We apologise for an error in December 2019 Gum Tips. On page 8, the image captioned Young Rose can be quite active! should have been credited ‘Image courtesy of Port News’.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P3 We are all so proud of our volunteers. Everyone has worked really hard, longer hours and more days. Many of our volunteers have been working in a number of different jobs and the workload is still very high. What a great team we have. The response worldwide to Australia’s catastrophic bushfires has been overwhelming. The outpouring of support both in donations, supplies and offers of help has and continues to be amazing. We will be able to do incredible projects with the donations. We will be commencing a wild koala breeding programme and we will buy land for conservation purposes. We are determined that we will not lose this much loved icon of Australia. We will endeavour to protect and manage these conservation lands using knowledge that will come out of the current situation. The big bonus is all the other plants and animals that live in the same A new arrival, just rescued from a fireground, is assessed in the clinic environment as koalas will be at the Koala Hospital. protected as well. We thank all of you for your amazing support.

FREE KOALA FOOD TREES AVAILABLE! Our annual free koala food tree distribution is scheduled to start again mid March. This is a great opportunity for local landholders, residents and organisations to help with renewal of vital habitat. Tube stock trees will be provided by Forestry Corporation of NSW and will be available for collection from the Koala Hospital. Information is available about how to plant and manage the trees for success. This year, we anticipate up to 35,000 trees will be made available for collection across these species: Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany) Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum) Eucalyptus punctata (Grey Gum) Eucalyptus microcorys (Tallowwood) To make a reservation for 40 or more trees, email [email protected] or call 02 6584 1522. For smaller plantings, simply call to check stock is available on the day you plan to arrive.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P4 REPORT BY PRESIDENT, SUE ASHTON

In what will be remembered by Hospital could share its knowledge works was launched in Port most as the worst summer in and experience in the search and Macquarie in February, before Australia’s recent history, the rescue of wildlife. moving to the Wentworth Gallery in bush fires have brought about Australia Day – the Premier . a huge volume of work for the of NSW recognised people and In March – As part of the United Port Macquarie Koala Hospital organisations that contributed Nations (UN) World Wildlife Day which has seen many of our 150 during the bush fires that ravaged 2020, the Koala Hospital’s Clinical volunteers working extra shifts, NSW from late 2019. A photo of Director, Cheyne Flanagan, is and doing extra jobs, just to keep three of our people was projected presenting at the UN Paley Center the hospital going. My thanks onto the sails of the Sydney Opera in New York, at the ‘Wild Ideas to the many people who have House on Australia Day night. The 2020’ a think-tank for nature and volunteered time to help the Koala photo represented everyone at the community. The theme for the Hospital. Koala Hospital and the plantations event is 'Global Warning: Wildlife vs In addition to an increased ‘in- and was well deserved recognition Wildfire'. Cheyne's presentation will house’ workload, our volunteers of our hard working volunteers and cover the recent Australian wildlife have been busy helping others staff. emergency in which an estimated and being recognised for the In February – a NSW Government one billion animals have been outstanding job they all do. Parliamentary Inquiry looking into killed by the bushfires. Dr Rebecca koala populations and habitat in January - Search and Rescue Montague-Drake, Koala Ecologist , held a session in – three of our volunteers, and for the local Koala Recovery honorary member, Pete the Port Port Macquarie. The Koala Hospital Program will also be presenting at Tree Fella, spent 10 days searching was invited to give evidence in the event, along with Nick Boyle for wildlife in fire ravaged areas in December 2019 and again in from Taronga Zoo. Cooma, southern NSW. The team February 2020. also trained people from local and An international artist, Russ Ronat, We have a lot happening at the international wildlife organisations who paints endangered wildlife, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and in capture and search techniques. painted pictures of some of the I look forward to updating you on We are very proud of this team Port Macquarie Koala Hospital more activities in the next issue of and that the Port Macquarie Koala koalas. An exhibition of the art Gum Tips.

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GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P5 THE KOALA BURNS WARD

not prepared to risk their health any further. This system worked really well. After two weeks, as their burns injuries improved we extended the bandage changing to every 4-5 days. It was a great day when we decided that they no longer required bandaging and therefore no anaesthesia or stressful handling. Our burns team are quick and efficient. Our system was to first quietly anaesthetise the koala, then whilst one staff member monitored the anaesthesia, four A bushfire victim receives vital fluids on admission to the Koala Hospital. staff were given a limb/foot/section each to work on, the wounds were In both the veterinary and the day, they were then placed under checked, photographed, bathed, human medical world, there are a general anaesthetic and their debrided (dead tissue removed), many different opinions and burns injuries were treated and burns cream thickly applied, then treatment plans for treating bandaged. As koalas (like most the burns were bandaged to allow burns. We are no different at the wildlife) don’t cope well with lots movement of digits. All burns Koala Hospital. We prefer simple of anaesthesia, we found it best sites were also gently massaged straightforward methods that work to only do bandage changes every with burns cream to reduce the well and efficiently. three days. Obviously every day effects of contracture which As firegrounds are still very would be the ideal but we were can be a major issue in burns dangerous places after the main fire has gone through, it is often days before it is safe for search teams to go in (burning trees and limbs can fall). Consequently, in most cases rescued koalas’ burns have cooled by the time they are captured, so the initial attention must be focused on dealing with extremely dehydrated burnt animals that are also in pain. During recent the fires, all of the admitted burns patients were only given fluids for the first 24 hours, plus pain relief and quality nutrition. Once they were well hydrated, often the following LINR Anwen in the early stages of her recovery.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P6 patients. This whole procedure took approximately 15 minutes. The anaesthesia was turned off and the koala was given fresh oxygen for 10 minutes. Having a burns team to treat all the patients made it so much quicker and better for each individual koala. As we had so many patients, this system allowed two burns teams working on different koalas on different examination tables at the same time – hence the conveyor belt feel about the whole exercise! We were given the loan of a laser whose job is to accelerate healing. We were quite impressed with this laser and have now bought one. The Koala Hospital burns team in action. In the early days a number of the severe tissue damage that usually got over a previous infection, prior burns patients wouldn’t move emerges weeks later and in rare to the fires, but the overwhelming off the floor of the units, so they cases months later and can be slow demands on the body, caused a spent their days asleep on blankets to heal. poor immune response and the with a canopy of fresh eucalypt disease re-emerged. branches sitting in a bucket Not all of our admitted bushfire beside them. What 5 star service – koalas survived. Some were so The future for these burns breakfast in bed! compromised they died very early patients? It is likely that some on, in spite of our best efforts. of the koalas will be able to be Eventually they began to climb Some we made the decision to returned to their point of capture which indicated that progress was put to sleep as their injuries would once the vegetation has returned happening. have resulted in a life of permanent and they are fully healed. This pain. Even though burns do result from could occur as early as mid June/ direct flame such as burns to the Some burnt koalas also arrived July. Others may take longer hands, feet and faces, the majority with the bacterial disease and some will remain with us are from radiant burns which do chlamydiosis (wet bottom or permanently. not actually touch the skin, but diseased eyes) so had to be the heat is so intense that burns treated for both burns and At time of print we are thankful occur (like opening a very hot oven disease. Weeks after admission that there has been heavy rain door). Koalas can be admitted with chlamydia emerged with some in parts of the country and the singeing of the fur – which appears burns patients who had arrived fire danger has receded to some as brownish black shortened fur. clinically clear of the disease. It is extent. However, so far the inland These radiant burns can hide likely in these cases, the koala had drought has not been broken.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P7 HORRIFIC FIRE SEASON DRIVES NEW ERA FOR KOALA HOSPITAL

Innes and the tragic consequences for our Conservation Area, State Forests unique environment and wildlife, at Ballengarra and Bellangry, widely-loved around the world. Kindee, Ellenborough, and Crowdy Bay and Werrikimbe National This is the busiest Parks. The devastation of our period in our history. local genetically-diverse koala population was widely publicised by the media, and the public were Our volunteers quick to understand the potential impact for koalas in the whole In addition to the increased clinical country. The rescue and treatment activity and koala care, we are of koalas burnt or affected by fire managing unprecedented levels was of paramount importance, of generosity from businesses but at the same time media and organisations as well as the interest, donations and adoptions, public. The Hospital has never Scat detection dog, Taylor, lays down Hospital visitor numbers, in its history experienced this indicating to her handler, Ryan Tate, telephone calls and email activity concentration of interest from that she has found a koala on the all moved quickly to a new level the public, and the media. The firegrounds. and continued to accelerate. genuine care and generous actions of so many people from The animals are Later in December and January, always our first and the horrific fires grew in size and foremost priority. intensity across huge areas of New South Wales, Victoria, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and Since the local fire at Lake Innes the Australian Capital Territory. Public desire to help precious Nature Reserve started in October wildlife in whatever way possible 2019, the Port Macquarie Koala has resulted in even more Hospital has experienced the generous giving by people not busiest period in its history. Whilst only in Australia but around we have in the past managed big the whole world. The fact that increases in koala admissions news is now delivered real-time from previous fire events, the and globally, means that people extent of the fires locally, as well as literally everywhere know about nationally means we have moved the catastrophic fires, the human into a different era. impact, the incredible work of Volunteer, Jackie Moody, has taken on Firstly, the local fires impacted Australian volunteers especially many extra shifts over the bushfire huge areas including Lake the volunteer firefighters, and period. Koala care in ICU is her specialty!

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P8 injured koalas high in the canopy. true now, in the face of such Ryan Tate with his enthusiastic and overwhelming recent events. reliable scat detection dog, Taylor, The original mission of the Koala accelerated the pace at which Hospital remains: to rescue sick search and rescue teams could and injured koalas, to rehabilitate confidently check firegrounds. and wherever possible, release Ryan and Taylor were successful them back to the wild. Koala at locating many koalas within Conservation Australia, which the firegrounds and enabling the manages the Koala Hospital, has teams to track where koalas had the wider mission to protect and recently been. Our search teams conserve habitat, to increase also worked in the /Manning/ knowledge and understanding Forster region for several weeks of the species and to work just prior to Christmas. At the time collaboratively to ensure their of print, we have a search team survival into the future. working in the Snowy Mountains Volunteer, Margaret Richardson, has been working hard in the offices and region near Cooma where active administration area. fires are still occurring. all over the world has been a huge Many koala care volunteers are encouragement to volunteers as doing extra shifts multiple days we have all stepped up to take on each week to cope with extra so much more. patient care. Some are stepping up to do shifts to answer the Media visits have become part busy telephone lines, answer of daily life, with film crews and emails, and to process the reporters wanting to tell the world increased donations and sales of not only what we are doing here at merchandise. Wild Koala Adoptions Volunteers, Peggy Eather and Elysia the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, Marai, are important members of the are particularly popular and can be but also the much wider story Sunday morning koala care team. purchased online; processing and of the suffering and destruction mailing out adoption packages has of wildlife across huge areas of become a major part of backroom eastern and southern Australia. work at the Hospital. Our search and rescue teams, all And all the while, the regular trained and accredited with New work of the Hospital carries on, South Wales Rural Fire Service, with usual numbers of koalas still covered around six thousand coming into our care at this time acres of firegrounds over the initial of year for more common reasons five-week period. Peter Berecry such as sickness and traumatic (Port Tree Fella) has been providing encounters with cars and dogs. ongoing, invaluable support with Volunteer, Graham Harrington, his elevated work platform on Every koala has always been distributes the Hospital donation boxes crawler tracks, helping us to rescue precious but this is even more at the beginning of the day.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P9 WILD KOALA BREEDING PROGRAM

Due to the overwhelming Australian Museum's Wildlife generosity of the public, we are Genomics Centre, Taronga Zoo, delighted to say that our long- Billabong Wildlife Park, and Save term goal of a breeding facility is Our Species (SOS), a program now a reality for the near future. of the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and The facility is currently in the Environment. early planning phase and we anticipate that part of it will The breeding program will be housed at the new Koala follow rigorous scientific Hospital complex. methodology with koalas only being mated with animals of We are aiming at three separate similar provenance eg: Port breeding facilities, the main one Macquarie koalas with Port housing a research laboratory Macquarie koalas, Moree with and other infrastructure. The Moree. The offspring of these other two facilities will be lower unions will be released back key, located independently into selected pre surveyed sites, of the main complex and will and with the ultimate goal of house some of our resting reversing the decline of the breeding animals and koalas koala. from other areas of the state. In Wild koala, Port Macquarie. (Image courtesy of light of the recent catastrophic Of course this all must go hand Colin Campbell) fires, having three separate in hand with major changes facilities is a good insurance to how koala habitat and policy. conservation of land is managed into the future. The Hospital will be partnering with a number of key We have a long journey ahead of stakeholders including the us to get this off the ground, but University of Sydney, the it is an exciting one!

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P10 BRAND NEW KOALA HOSPITAL TO BE BUILT

In early October 2019, Koala • Lifts to access an aerial walkway to more closely experience the Conservation Australia (KCA) was world from a koala’s view – from • A walkway through the trees awarded a five million dollar grant the tree tops, looking down on the from the NSW State Government. • A new clinic world. This is a great honour and carries • A new administration area An expanded museum, theatrette with it a lot of responsibility. • Indigenous story telling space and education spaces will help The grant is to be used exclusively including indigenous food make the many training sessions to redevelop the Port Macquarie garden conducted at the Koala Hospital Koala Hospital. The project will each year for school children, • Education nature walk provide a world class, nature-based wildlife care organisations, TAFE tourism attraction in regional NSW. A small project management and university students, a better This attraction will be unique to committee has finalised the experience with access to learning the north coast area of NSW and many supporting documents materials and real koalas, all at one Australia. and processes required for location. such a large project. Plans for The main features of the Koala A special area in the procurement, asset management, Hospital’s redevelopment are: redevelopment, an indigenous risk management, governance, story telling space and food • New rehabilitation and cash flow and a comprehensive garden, has been put aside for the permanent resident koala yards timeline, have been finalised and local people, the , to learn • Training, research and form part of a funding deed, the more about their history, customs education spaces contract the KCA has entered into and special relationship with the with the government for delivery of land and wildlife. • A retail shop the project. By September 2020, an architect • Koala museum and theatrette Many of the new features, koala and builder will have been • Interpretive signage and yards in the tree canopy and an appointed and work on the ground level walkway aerial walkway, will enable visitors redevelopment will begin.

ARRIVAL SECTION

KOALA HOSPITAL PORT MACQUARIE KOALA HOSPITAL PORT MACQUARIE

18 September, 2018 P:\2018\18900_Submissions\JP18_68_Port Macquaire Koala Hospital_ Commercial\Graphics\180907_Koala Hospital_Design concept.indd 3 18 September, 2018 P:\2018\18900_Submissions\JP18_68_Port Macquaire Koala Hospital_ Commercial\Graphics\180907_Koala Hospital_Design concept.indd 5

Design concepts for the new Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, by Allen Jack + Cottier, Architects

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P11 PROVIDING WATER TO WILDLIFE

In November 2019 the Koala as we can. Once built, the wildlife Hospital set up a GoFundMe® drinking stations are deployed to page on Facebook with a goal to areas ravaged by fire and drought. raise $25,000 to provide wildlife Wildlife drinking stations have drinking stations in the Mid North been of interest to the Koala Coast areas affected by recent Hospital for a while, and different bushfires. People responded designs from across the country quickly and generously, knowing had already been assessed by the that our local koalas and their Hospital last year. Our favourite habitat were being decimated. design was one which enabled Now, owing to the relentless and different species to access water catastrophic fire season which at different levels, minimising took hold across the country risk from predators. It had been throughout December and into designed by Greg Buck who January, donations have continued works with Gwydir Landcare. to rise higher and higher. The Hospital’s volunteer Habitat Coordinator, Steve Withnall, made The wildlife drinking contact and we are very grateful to Greg for agreeing to the Koala Wildlife drinking station installed in dead stations are deployed and blackened bush, Blue Mountains, Hospital using his design to make NSW, January 2020. Note the elevated to areas ravaged by the drinking stations here on the water reservoir platform for use by birds . Using a sample and arboreal animals such as koalas, fire and drought. and the low level water bowl for use model from Greg, Steve set to work by ground dwellers. Image courtesy of to simplify and modify the station, KDVideo for Science for Wildlife. and sought local professional guidance. Advice from Mid Coast 4WD Centre (Port Macquarie), Irrigation in Wauchope and MR Midcoast Irrigation (Wauchope), Welding in Port Macquarie enabled Bunnings (Port Macquarie), us to develop a model which Midcoast Trailers (Taree), Miedecke could be made at moderate cost, Ford (Port Macquarie), Horsley deployed quickly and which would be comparatively easy to monitor Warehouse (Goulburn) and Tracy and maintain. Dignum. Volunteers, Jeremy Bear and Nic Snell, In order to move quickly on We also thank volunteers who complete an installation in Crowdy Bay National Park, NSW. this ambitious project, many are working on the building businesses and individuals have and deployment of the drinking With so much public support and provided equipment, advice and stations including Jeremy Bear, in the face of the environmental services freely or at reduced cost. Nic Snell, Darryl Clift, Dave Baker, These include: crisis, Hospital volunteers have Teresa Cochrane, Chris Clay and been working hard to build as Philmac, Matt Reichert Mobile our Habitat Coordinator, Steve many stations as we can, as quickly Welding (Port Macquarie), Midcoast Withnall.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P12 Koala Hospital is providing drinking stations to other areas and sharing our knowledge and experience.

At present up to 10 stations are being built each week. More than thirty have already been deployed in various locations - with agreements in place with landowners and land managers to monitor water levels, any damage and to maintain and repair them.

These areas include: • Lake Innes Nature Reserve

• Bellangry Wildlife camera captures a koala exploring one of the new • Rosewood drinking stations near Inverell, New South Wales. • Crowdy Bay National Park • Harrington • Lismore • Blue Mountains • Inverell • Bingara/Moree

Many more drinking stations are due to be installed in the Mid North Coast, northern NSW, and the Blue Mountains. Wildlife cameras are an exciting addition enabling the collection of information about their use by Truck and trailer loaded up with drinking stations ready for animals and birds. deployment. We have received many calls from wildlife organisations and land management groups across the country, interested in learning more about our drinking stations and how they could be provided in their areas. We aim to host workshops in the future where our knowledge and experience can be shared. Dr Kellie Leigh of Science for Wildlife recently wrote, ‘We are delighted to receive emergency support from Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, for our Blue Mountains Koala Project. The supplied water stations are being used as a model and scaled out in the hope of helping survivors from at least 3 koala populations in the region’.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P13 IMPACT OF RECENT FIRES

..on koalas and their habitat in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area

A snapshot by Rebecca and a small riparian corridor at focus on some of the high carrying the northern end of the park, the capacity areas affected, such Montague-Drake, vast majority of this NPWS estate as Lake Innes. This will provide Koala Ecologist for was impacted- see Fig. 1. This area knowledge about koala persistence the Hastings-Macleay has previously been described at the site and landscape levels by BioLink (2012) as the ‘engine and how this relates to fire severity Koala Recovery room’ of the Port Macquarie koala (flame height and the amount of Partnership population and has been described canopy scorch). The study will also as ‘being of national significance’. investigate ‘mesic refuge areas’. The rich red krazozem soils of Such areas are typically along The recent bushfires in Australia this area, coupled with good soil permanent or ephemeral creek are estimated to have impacted moisture levels and an abundance lines, in gullies or on south-facing around 1 billion animals and of koala food trees facilitated a high slopes and typically support more around 25% of all koala habitat carrying-capacity for koalas. rainforest species (which are in New South Wales. Sobering typically less flammable than those Similarly, the Ellenborough statistics indeed. In the Hastings- found in dry eucalypt forests). area, which was also burnt, was Macleay region, the figures are While these cooler, wetter sites another high carrying capacity equally grim. may not be considered ‘typical’ area for koalas. Areas around koala habitat, the importance The Koala Recovery Partnership Crowdy Bay National Park were of such refuge areas for koalas undertook an analysis of losses of also severely burnt. This region during hot days, droughts or fires koala habitat in the Port Macquarie- supports the genetically unique is gaining recognition among Hastings Local Government Area population, which scientists. This study will examine (LGA). The analysis revealed that a is already a relatively small which local vegetation types may (conservative) estimate of 50,000 population. Extremely large act as mesic refuge sites and hectares of koala habitat has areas in the Kempsey and Port whether, during a major fire event, been burnt. While the figure alone Macquarie hinterland were also they facilitated koala survival. sounds dire, the reality of what this severely burnt. Koalas occurred at The study will work alongside a represents is even more sobering. low-moderate densities in many much larger long-term monitoring For instance, this figure equates of these hinterland areas and program for koalas which is being to 35% of all the koala habitat in hence across the entirety of the conducted through the Hastings- the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA burnt area, countless koalas were Macleay. having been affected. Perhaps even impacted. Together these various The Koala Recovery Partnership is worse, it has impacted 41% of the populations were important also working on other initiatives ‘best’ koala habitat (“Primary” or components of the genetic diversity to support post-fire recovery, “Secondary A” habitat). This habitat and resilience of koalas in the including the preparation of a has a higher carrying capacity for Hastings-Macleay. detailed Koala Habitat Map to koalas (hence were areas of higher The Koala Recovery Partnership is guide species’ selection for people populations). now working with the Department wishing to replant koala habitat. One such area of high-carrying of Planning, Industry and They have also been sharing their capacity affected by the fires was Environment’s Saving Our Species knowledge about the fire impacts the Lake Innes Nature Reserve program to undertake a detailed on koalas and the relevant actions and State Conservation Area. With monitoring program of koalas needed with various government the exception of the lake itself, in relation to the fire, with a key representatives.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P14 Fig.1: The approximate extent of the fire in the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA (as one example of a Council Legend region impacted by fires) Extent of Fires Nov 2019_191119 and the extent of koala Koala Habitat Burnt in PMHC habitat burnt.

The koala is a ‘flagship’ species’ during the recent bushfire endangered giant dragonfly. Given crisis. that invertebrates often tend to and ‘umbrella’ species. not be the recipients of the general While it may seem narrow- public’s conservation attention, it Why is this important? minded to seemingly focus on is clear that helping protect koala one ‘flagship’ species, when so habitat can not only protect large many have been impacted, it Australia’s koala has certainly areas, but also those of some does help people to focus and become something of an lesser-known or appreciated think about the root cause of international fixture in the media species. issues and the flow-on impacts. since Australia’s fires, with mixed It can engender social pressures Having adequate knowledge measures of heart-breaking and to initiate change and of course, about species’ biology and ecology heart-warming stories appearing in stimulate flows in investment can really help to ensure that newsfeeds on a daily basis. into species conservation. When the greatest gain can be made However we all know that the koala such investment is used wisely, of attention or investment given was just one of countless animal and when social pressures result to ‘flagship’ species, to not only and plant species impacted by the in meaningful policy changes or protect these precious and much- fires. Indeed some of the species changes in negative-consumerism loved animals, but also to ensure impacted may have now become behaviour, this not only protects the best conservation outcomes extinct, and some may never have the ‘flagship species’ but can result for all those other lesser-known even been known to science. in meaningful changes for other animals. species too. This is particularly the The Hastings-Macleay Koala In conservation biology, a flagship case where the ‘flagship’ species Recovery Partnership is proudly species is a species chosen to is also an ‘umbrella species’. An funded by the NSW Government’s raise support for biodiversity umbrella species has been defined Saving Our Species Program, the conservation in a given place or as “a wide-ranging species whose Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and social context. They tend to be requirements include those of hosted by the Mid North Coast Joint widely recognised and charismatic many other species”. In some Organisation. species. The koala was recognised environments, koalas can have as one of the world’s top five home ranges in excess of 100 recognisable species by the World hectares. They occupy the same Wildlife Fund and hence it is habitats as numerous other highly- perhaps no surprise that it has threatened species, such as the become an inadvertent ‘flagship endangered swift parrot or the

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P15 TREES FOR LIFE

The Koala Hospital continues to work on habitat conservation and renewal, even more vital following the catastrophic bushfire season. We now operate two major plantations of koala food trees Paul Goss, manager of Moripo Research Plantation. which are already starting to take pressure off wild koala habitat, Last year (2019), work began at Correctional Centre to create and we continue to work with local the Moripo Research Plantation, bush corridor organisations, landholders and located to the west of Wauchope. Inmates at the Mid North Coast residents on planting and renewal The first 500 new trees are Correctional Centre near Kempsey of habitat. responding well to the planting have recently begun a project to Our plantations and nurturing system, with our plant thousands of eucalyptus trees over 14 hectares of the Road Plantation is aim being to create low canopy centre’s land. Over the next 6 situated on the north shore of Port food trees for ease of management years it is anticipated that at least Macquarie. Originally established in and harvesting by the Hospital. 6,000 seedling trees will be planted 2015, it now comprises 5,000 young Moripo is a demonstration site and and nurtured, creating a bush trees, with Swamp Mahogany trees research station for koala nutrition corridor for koalas, sugar gliders already providing leaf regularly and tree management. and native birds. Once established, for Koala Hospital patients. Forest Further major plantings are the trees may also be harvested to Red Gum and Tallowwood are planned for late March at both provide food to koala sanctuaries becoming more established and Maria River and Moripo. The in the area. Inmates will have will soon become regular items Koala Hospital is delighted to say the opportunity to learn about on the menu at the Hospital. horticulture and the environment, Hard-working volunteers at the that Matt Kilby, from ACT-based assisting them to find work when plantation are regularly rewarded company, Global Land Repair, they leave the centre. by visits from native animals. Latest has agreed once more to provide sightings include echidnas, a family valuable on-site assistance at this The NSW Department of of ospreys, goannas drinking from time. We are grateful to Matt for his Communities and Justice and the the dam. continued advice and services. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital have collaborated on the project, sharing knowledge about how trees can be planted and managed to minimise water consumption and increase survival rates. Trees have been donated by Forestry Corporation of NSW, Landcare, Council and .

The Koala Hospital's free koala food tree distribution is starting in March. This is a great opportunity for local landholders, residents and organisations to help with renewal of vital habitat. See page 4 for Entrance to the developing bush corridor. Image courtesy of Mid North more information. Coast Correctional Centre, Kempsey.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P16 KOALA SMART

The inspirational Koala Smart practical modifications for homes Wales current curriculum, and it program is gaining momentum. and technological applications. is anticipated that schools from Introduced in 2019, Koala Smart The Koala Smart website explains, across the state will participate. is a project which motivates ‘Some will be further assessed by Teachers will be able to use primary and secondary children conservation and planning experts new resources including video (government and non-government for practical application with and slide presentations, current schools) to engage with the assistance from the Lions Club.’ environmental facts and statistics problem of koala decline and The standard of submissions was as well as direct links to other develop initiatives that can be so high that additional prizes, such online tools and information. Once applied in the real world, in their as a ‘Behind the scenes at the Koala their planning has commenced, local communities. Hospital’ experience were included teachers will be able to access by the judges. NSW Saving Our Species officers for advice on project content and Students develop real- 2019 First Prizes went to North direction. Projects will be evaluated Haven Public School and Kempsey world initiatives to by environment and education Adventist Secondary School. North professionals with the goal of help drive change. Haven’s ‘Thinking outside the applying practical ideas in the real box’ included the creation of a world. ‘hero koala’ around whom a new Koala Smart recognises the television show would be designed More information is available at creativity of youth and the power to educate children about koalas www.koalasmart.org.au, or email of young people to make change and the environment in general. [email protected]. happen. Koala Smart project work Kempsey Adventist School’s project Schools are invited to submit their nurtures collaboration, critical was an app which would alert the expressions of interest for Koala thinking and problem-solving skills. Koala Hospital in real time to koalas Smart 2020 as soon as possible. in distress. Whilst a similar app was Koala Smart 2019 was introduced Closing date for sign up this year is already being explored by the NSW by Tacking Point Lions Club and 9 April. government, the new ideas and attracted 25 schools in the Port Koala Smart is a joint initiative with Macquarie Hastings and Kempsey features proposed by the Kempsey Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, NSW Shire Council areas. Projects students may now be integrated. Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Saving Our Species) and included creative expressions, This year Koala Smart 2020 will be the Hastings-Macleay Koala Recovery community education programs, aligned more closely to New South Partnership.

Volunteers, Mick Feeney and Anne Walsh Creativity in poetry and visual art, St Traffic-calming project, Kendall Public help Port Macquarie Public School Joseph’s Primary School, Laurieton School students enjoy their prize, ‘Behind the scenes at the Koala Hospital’. Image courtesy of Port Macquarie Public School.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P17 YOUNG VOICES SPEAK UP FOR WILDLIFE

In Gum Tips we often highlight how much they want to help. Their how much children and young emotion is raw and their support is people are stepping up to show palpable. they care about our environment Space doesn’t permit us to and wildlife. For many years their individually list here the thousands generous and decisive actions to of messages and actions by help the Port Macquarie Koala young people: they include cards, Hospital have illustrated their deep artwork, poems, stories, donations, concerns. adoptions, visits, creative Recently, with drought and fundraising events, thoughtful gifts bushfires taking such a ghastly in kind. toll on our precious animals and The images below illustrate just birds, young people from all over a tiny fraction of the amazing Australia and the world have support we have received from the responded quickly to let us know young. Children from Crazy Maze OOSHC present the funds they raised to Cheyne Flanagan.

Donated artwork brightens the walls of the clinic at the Koala Hospital.

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P18 EXTRAORDINARY GENEROSITY, EXTRAORDINARY TIMES

An elderly lady phones to fund ‘one the Hospital to keep koala carers, of those wonderful wildlife drinking search and rescue teams, hard- stations’, a seven year old fills the working backroom volunteers well- donation box at the Hospital with nourished and cared for. the pocket money he’s been saving The phones are red hot, emails for months, a pensioner contacts and online orders pour in, media us every two weeks to donate what and television crews are a regular he can, koala adoption packages sight at the Hospital. In its 45- and merchandise are posted year history the Koala Hospital to purchasers across the world has never experienced this including Asia, Europe, Africa, unprecedented level of generosity North and South America. and interest. The devastating bushfire season The Hospital values and thanks since November last year has brought an intense media and every single person or organisation social media focus to Australia who is helping us. Thank you for like never before, and across the each and every one of these acts country and the world people are of generosity and kindness. They showing they care deeply about prove just how many people of all Australian wildlife. ages, from all countries and walks of life really, really care. The Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie has been overwhelmed You can read in this edition of Gum by support. Donations, adoptions Tips, how the money so generously and merchandise sales have ‘gone given is being used by the Koala through the roof’ but support has Hospital to help koalas now and also arrived in kind: medical and into the future. To all those who therapeutic supplies for koalas, have given in many different new volunteers offering their time, ways, be assured that your care, businesses and organisations compassion and action is helping offering help, and thousands of the Koala Hospital as we work messages of encouragement and through this difficult time, and will support. Food and thoughtful continue to help us as we plan and treats are brought regularly to work for the survival of the species.

GUM TIPS is the official newsletter of Koala Conservation Australia Disclaimer Koala Conservation Australia Inc. and the Management Inc. and is published quarterly. Committee do not accept any liability for the results of any actions taken Editor: Becky Harrington or not taken, on the basis of information given or discussed with groups Contributors: Cheyne Flanagan, Sue Ashton, Rebecca Montague- or other organised events, meetings and/or for information provided Drake, Becky Harrington by speakers or for any information published for or on behalf of the Photography (unless individually credited): Scott Castle, Gaby Rivett, organisation, its organs and officers. Sue Ashton, Becky Harrington, Carole Grant AFIAP, FAPS, Cheyne Flanagan, Steve Withnall, Peter Berecry

GUM TIPS | MARCH 2020 | P19 Koala Emergency Rescue Line - Phone (02) 6584 1522 If you sight a koala in distress - call our Rescue Line 24 hours a day / 7 days a week E: [email protected] koalahospital General Enquiries: 02 6584 1522 www.koalahospital.org.au

…to everyone who is supporting our work through donations, adoptions, gifts, sponsorship, your visits and your good wishes. Thank You

Koala Conservation Australia Inc. ABN 74 060 854 479 | PO Box 236, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Licensed to rehabilitate and release sick, injured and orphaned native fauna under Licence No. 10044