Koalas are now classified as vulnerable in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT, with long term monitoring showing that certain populations are experiencing sharp declines. To ensure the protection of koalas for generations to come, it is imperative that we accurately and efficiently expand our evidence based knowledge about koala distribution, genetics and disease to population outside the urban footprint.

This research project will utilise innovative and non-invasive methodologies, such as conservation detection dogs, to produce the first field based fine-scale distribution and population health study of koalas across the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.

The project aims to identify where koala populations are; how connected they are; and how healthy they are. The project will identify areas of high potential for habitat rehabilitation, offsets, protection (eg refuges, reserves, voluntary conservation agreements) and land to buy for increase koala core habitat.