The LOCAL Gympie Issue 1 WIP 4

4 Lifestyle, Community & Health Feature Story
Issue 1 2021
September is Save the Koala Month
Koala and Joey in Melawondi
By Michelle Daly
(Koala Action Gympie Region)
We are indeed lucky in our region to
be custodians of this most unique and
iconic species, the koala. It is such an
important part of Australia’s natural
and cultural heritage, and for some
reason, no matter how often one spots a
koala, it is always a special and exciting
experience.
Our region is home to koalas because it
contains suitable habitats for them, and
this occurs right down the east coast of
Australia across to South Australia. But
their populations are very fragmented,
and at-risk due to lots of factors, the
main one being a loss of habitat. Since
European settlement, it has been estimated
approximately 80% of koala habitat
was removed, and many readers will
know that in the old days, millions of
koalas were shot for their pelts, for the
lucrative fur trade. Due to public outrage
that they were becoming extinct, it
was outlawed in the 1930’s and the koala
became a ‘protected species.’
Koala populations in Qld have been
in significant decline again in recent
decades, which is why the koala is listed
as ‘vulnerable’ on threatened species
lists, and why koalas need our help.
So, how are our Gympie region koala
populations faring? Without research,
it is hard to say for sure, but we do
know that in some districts, they seem
to have disappeared or are not doing
well, and in some areas, we are hopeful
the population may be holding or even
recovering. There are lots of factors at
play but seeing koalas with joeys is al-
ways encouraging, as it means breeding
is happening and another generation is
on the way!
The key ingredient for koalas is of
course habitat. Recently, a resident said
she was surprised to learn there were so
many species of eucalypts in Australia
(about 600!) and that koalas ate only
a select number of these. That is right,
they are very fussy eaters, and koalas
must have access to some of their
‘primary’ food trees species, as well as
other trees for supplementary food and
shelter. Some of the favourite food trees
in our region include Queensland blue
gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Tallowwood
(Eucalyptus microcorys), Grey
gum (Eucalyptus propinqua) and Gumtopped
box (Eucalyptus molucanna).
Koala Fast Facts
• Koalas are marsupials. At birth,
the joey is a tiny 2 cm. and develops
inside the pouch, drinking
mum’s milk. After 6-7 months, the
joey starts to leave the pouch,
and rides on mum’s back, and
learns from mum what gum
leaves to eat, and how to climb
safely. From around 12 months
old, it is starting to become independent.
• On average koalas live for 10-12
years in the wild.
• Koalas get most of the water they
need from gum leaves and dew
and will lick the wet bark when
it rains. Koalas may search out
• Koala in Imbil Area
water sources on the ground in
hot, dry weather.
• Koalas rest and sleep for 18-20
hours a day, due to their low-energy
diet.
• Koalas are mostly active from
late afternoon, through the night,
and early morning, feeding and
moving along the ground to other
trees, and sometimes socialising.
• “How big is a koala’s home
range”? One source suggests
approximately 10-12 hectares
for males and 5-6 for females in
South-East Queensland, but it
can be much bigger in areas of
lesser quality habitat.
This brings us to breeding season, happening
now. Do listen out at night for
their unique mating noises or google
‘koala sounds.’ From July to December,
koalas are so much more active, and
so more at risk from a dog attack and
vehicle strike.
We can help by ensuring our dogs are
inside or otherwise restrained at night,
and If driving at koala ‘peak-hour
(between dusk and early morning) slow
down and be alert to koala movement.
If you hit a koala, please stop to check
it and call rescue services, even if it is
dead, as important checks need to be
made. Be prepared with our helpful