23Sept2011_KOALAS COUNT

Grab your binoculars and head outside to do your bit for koala conservation on Koala Survey Day Sunday, 2 October 2011.  Residents are encouraged to look in their backyards and nearby parklands as part of a region-wide koala count.

Moreton Bay Regional Council is hoping to collect information about the size and gender of the observed koalas as well as the frequency of sightings.  The survey information will be used to help determine the location of koala colonies in the region and will assist environmental scientists researching koala populations.
With some koala habitats located on private property, residents have a great opportunity to provide koala fodder in their backyards to help protect the iconic native animal.
Council officers are available to discuss conservation management of koala habitat on private land through council’s region wide Land for Wildlife program.
Forms are available from Council libraries, environment centres and customer service centres.

 

Should you be unable to obtain a Koala Survey form by 2nd October, here is the information categories that will be required for entry on the form when you receive it:
    LOCATION (address, park name)
    UBD Map Ref / GPS Co-ords
    KOALA SIZE AND GENDER (eg mother with young, adult male, juvenile female)

There is a section on the form for "Other Koala sightings throughout the year".  (Same information categories apply as per above.)
Other sections of the form include these questions:
     How often have you seen Koalas in your area in the last 12 months?
     Do you think Koala numbers in your area are . . . Increasing;  Decreasing;  Same.
     How long have you lived in the area?   ….. years + ….. months.
     Any other native mammals sighted, e.g. glider, platypus, possum?  Please list and include any location details.   (Headings:  mammal;  location)