The Northern Rivers Koala Count is on in two weeks at the end of Save the Koala month.
Friends of the Koala (FoK) say that spring has sprung and it is the perfect opportunity to get out and about and look for koalas!
The Northern Rivers Koala Partnership is excited to announce the Northern Rivers Koala Count scheduled to take place from September 24 to 30.
FoK are asking the community to make a special effort to report sightings of koalas during the last week of September on the Friends of the Koala website.
Keep your eyes out for koalas
With such beautiful weather, it is a great opportunity to go for a bushwalk in a natural area,
keep your eyes out for koalas and record a sighting, Just make sure you have permission if the land is privately owned.
The week-long project aims to harness the power of citizen science to provide a better
understanding about where koalas live and how they use their environment. This can help support important koala research, conservation, and management actions.
Regional Koala Officer, Angie Brace, emphasised the role of the community in understanding koalas in the region ‘We encourage everyone to visit the Friends of the Koala website and document any koala sightings throughout the week.
‘These koala records help us understand where koalas are and this in turn helps us understand what we need to do for those populations. This could mean knowing where to look to rescue koalas following a fire event or where we should work on improving koala habitat.’
Signs koalas are unwell
If you spot a koala displaying any of the signs below, they are likely sick, injured or at risk and you should call the Friends of the Koala 24-hour rescue hotline immediately on 6622 1233.
– Eyes red, crusty or weepy
– Rump stained and/or wet, not white or grey
– Fur missing, matted or brown
– Visible blood or wound, and/or flies buzzing around
– Difficulty climbing, moving or walking
– On the ground, not moving
– Does not move away when approached
– Smaller than a rockmelon on their own and/or chirping
– Discharge out of nose or mouth
– Dogs nearby, possible or at risk of dog attack
– On the road edge, or at risk of vehicle strike
– On a pole or fence
– Deceased
Don’t forget that we encourage you to record all your koala sightings on the website at any time of the year.
Northern Rivers Koala Partnership includes local Councils (Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed), and Friends of the Koala.
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