The following information pamphlet was produced by the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (formerly NSW National Parks and Wildlife) and Lismore City Council.
Koalas need your help. With a little care, the threats facing Koalas can be reduced:
The Koala is a well loved Australian symbol; an icon of Australia's unique wildlife, and a species of considerable international interest.
Prior to European settlement, Koalas lived throughout much of the eucalypt forest and woodland areas from north-east Queensland to the south-eastern corner of South Australia. Since that time, Koalas have suffered a marked reduction in their distribution across the landscape.
Studies in the Goonellabah and East Lismore areas indicate that:
Koalas feed almost exclusively on a small number of eucalypt and non-eucalypt trees. In any one area, only a few types of trees are favoured as the main food source, and not all individuals of these tree types are utilized.
While Koalas are generally solitary animals, their social structure is quite complex. Animals live in established home ranges which overlap or adjoin other Koalas, and vary in size depending on habitat quality, and the age and sex of the animal.
Young animals must eventually leave the home range of their mothers, sometimes traveling long distances to seek a suitable area to live.
Koala habitat quality is influenced by factors such as soil nutrient, topography, rainfall and climate. In the Lismore area, the following trees are utilised by Koalas:
| Forest Red Gum - Eucalyptus tereticornis |
| Tallowwood - Eucalyptus microcorys |
| Swamp Mahogany - Eucalyptus robusta |
| Grey Ironbark - Eucalyptus siderophloia |
| Brush Box - Lophostemon confertus |
| Forest Oak - Allocasuarina torulosa |
Narrow-leaved Peppermint (Eucalyptus nicholii) is often planted in streets and yards. Whilst not a locally occurring tree, it is often used by Koalas. A number of other tree species may also be used during different times of the year.
Koala food trees may occur either in a forest or as scattered trees in paddocks or urban areas.
Koalas are subject to a number of threats including:
The greatest threat, however, is the clearing or modification of their habitat. Over time, this reduces the trees available for Koalas and results in vegetation becoming isolated into patches. Other disturbances, such as logging and weed invasion can degrade vegetation and lower its capacity to support Koalas. Collisions with vehicles and attacks by dogs also contribute to Koala deaths, particularly in and adjoining urban areas.
With a little bit of care, the threats facing Koalas can be reduced.
Habitat Management - Koalas and their habitat are protected under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 - Koala Habitat Protection. It may be an offence to knowingly remove or damage Koala habitat without legal consent. Please call Council or the NPWS if considering removing or damaging any of the trees listed above.
Tree Planting - Koala habitat can be enhanced by the planting of the trees listed above. Suitable trees are offered free of charge by Friends of the Koala.
Koala Road Kills - Koalas are often killed or injured when attempting to cross roads, resulting in declines in Koala numbers in some areas. Busy roads with high traffic speed and poor road verge lighting and visibility pose the highest risks to Koalas. By being aware that Koalas may attempt to cross the road in areas of potential Koala habitat, particularly during the breeding season between August to December, Koala road kill and injury can be reduced. Report any dead or injured animals to the Friends of the Koala.
Attack by Dogs - Both domestic and feral dogs, particularly aggressive breeds and roaming dog packs, can kill and injure Koalas. Koalas are more likely to be exposed to dog attack during the breeding season from August to December when they are more likely to be on the move. You can help by being a responsible dog owner - restrain your dog after dusk to a koala proof yard and report roaming dogs to Council Rangers.
| For more information, contact: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lismore City Council Planning Department - 02 66 250-565 |
NSW Department of Environment and
Conservation, Northern Rivers District - 02 66 270-200 |
NSW Department of Environment
and Conservation, Northern Zone: Conservation Programs & Planning Division - 02 66 515-946 |
