There is something very special about this sleepy part of the Sunshine Coast.
A thermal drone survey has confirmed that Reesville, west of Maleny, is one of the most densely populated koala habitats in the northern part of South East Queensland.
The survey detected 51 koalas stretched across just under 100 hectares of private land.
The surprise result significantly surpassed previous regional estimates, which ranged from 0 to 22 koalas per 100 hectares.
This discovery was thanks to a collaboration between local landholders, UniSC, the UQ Koala Ecology Group and Sunshine Coast Council.
As we move into koala breeding season, a time of increased movement for koalas as they look for love, people are encouraged to drive slowly in koala habitat areas and report sightings of injured or diseased animals.
The season begins in August and continues until February.
Director of Detection Dogs for Conservation and a Senior Research Fellow at UniSC, Dr Romane Cristescu, said the findings confirmed long-held suspicions about the ecological importance of the Reesville area.
“Our fabulous colleagues at UQ Koala Ecology Group, Council, and locals, had warned us there was something really special about Reesville koalas – and we were not disappointed,” Dr Cristescu said.
“When the survey’s results tallied 51 koalas, the highest density we found on the Sunshine Coast so far, the whole team was so excited.
“The community of Reesville is passionate about protecting their koalas, so it makes sense there are quite a few koalas calling Reesville home – likely helped by good guardianship.
“And this result also confirms how important private land is to koala conservation.
“Recently, we were called after local champions found and rescued a joey, who had to be rushed to the hospital thanks to the active local rescue group and supporters.
“It’s also heartwarming that there are many habitat restoration actions currently happening – keep up the great work Reesville, your koalas are very pleased with your support!”
Sunshine Coast Council’s team leader wildlife conservation Kate Hofmeister said Council had been actively supporting koala conservation efforts in Reesville for several years to support our wildlife-friendly biosphere.
“This find cements Reesville as one of the most critical koala habitats in northern South East Queensland,” Mrs Hofmeister said.
“Council is now in the final stages of securing additional grant funding to expand habitat restoration across surveyed private lands.
“We will also be installing permanent vehicle-activated signage to reduce koala-vehicle collisions and rolling out the ‘Leave It’ program to reduce dog-koala interactions – both funded by the Queensland Government.”
Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston acknowledged the vital role of local residents and rescue groups in protecting koalas, including the recent rescue of a joey by community champions.
“This is a fantastic outcome, and these results are a testament to the dedication of the Reesville community and our conservation partners,” Cr Johnston said.
Here are five simple things you can do to keep koalas safe at this vulnerable time for them:
1. Call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or your local wildlife rescue if you spot sick/injured koalas.
2. Keep your dog inside overnight and provide it with wildlife avoidance training.
3. Slow down on the road and watch out for wildlife.
4. Report healthy, sick, injured, or even deceased koalas on the free QWildlife app.
5. Join a koala conservation or a habitat restoration group and take part in direct, on-the-ground actions.
