Koala Food Project
Koala Food Project
Working together to produce a reliable and readily accessible supply of Eucalyptus Leaves for our local Koala carers and their patients. In addition increasing habitat for both Koalas and other endangered species such as the Black Stripe Wallaby.
Taking Action -
LLCI022-004
The issue
Our local WIRES carers had reported that they often encountered problems when trying to source suitable fresh Eucalyptus leaves for Koalas in their care. Difficulties were generally encountered both sourcing suitable fresh leaves and also safely accessing and cutting the leaves. Gwydir Ark Threatened Species Group, with the support of Northern Slopes Landcare, Gwydir Shire Council and North West Local Land Services through funding from the National Landcare Program, set about addressing this issue.
In addition, we hoped to expand on the habitat restoration already completed as part of the Brigalow Nandewar Biolinks project.
The solution
Gwydir Ark set out to plant Koala habitat and understorey trees at "The Living Classroom", Bingara. This is a Council owned and run facility which is an invaluable NRM teaching resource in our region. Gwydir Shire Council also came on board with the project, agreeing to supply both man hours and equipment to ensure the project's ongoing success. Northern Slopes Landcare Association, as sponsors and supporters of the Gwydir Ark Group, were appointed grantees for the project.
Ros and Paul Moulton from Gwydir Ark immersed themselves in research to determine the most suitable species of trees to plant in our area and on a sunny day in September this year 17 volunteers and staff joined the project and the planting was underway!
The impact
Overall the project has planted 900 trees at The Living Classroom, with additional trees to be planted on private land. This will provide WIRES carers in the future with an easily accessible supply of species specific leaves to ensure the best chance of survival for our injured Koalas. In addition, valuable habitat will be established for both the possible future release of injured koalas as well as other native animals including the Black Stripe Wallaby, which also resides nearby.
Some more western species of trees were also included to hopefully mitigate the effects of climate change. Species planted included Yellow Box, White Box, River Red Gum, Bimble Box, Blakely's Red Gum and Western Grey Box.
Key facts
- Easily accessible Koala food trees are in short supply
- Sourcing the correct species of trees, such as White Box and Yellow Box while also including understorey species is essential