The recent discovery of 42 koalas in Coolah Tops National Park has ensured healthy population growth, after only five previous koala sightings had been recorded in the last 70 years.

The major discovery has been hailed an “exceptional outcome” by researchers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

A lack of koala sightings at Coolah Tops over the years had had left many people questioning the presence of the unique marsupial species in the elevated forest. 

However, during the spring last year scientists were drawn to an area of the National Park after hearing the sound of koala bellows.

It was not until NPWS conducted a full survey of the area that they realised the extent of the koala population.

NPWS has recently spent 24 days searching the area with thermal drones, sound devices and conservation detection dogs.

Canvassing more than 1000 sites, the new technology proved beneficial in helping identify the endangered species.

Understanding the size and location of the koala population is important to ensure species survival and rehabilitation.

Jacki Roberts, from NPWS, said the organisation’s best efforts had been engaged to ensure the safety of the recent discoveries.

The koala habitat throughout the Coolah Tops is is “perpetually conserved”, with measures taken to ensure hazard and fire reduction.

“Due to the high elevation, Coolah Tops is less prone to climate change and severe weather events that can negatively impact koala food and shelter trees,” Ms Roberts said.

“The conservation of the area allows other animals to move freely and protected through the land.”

Ms Roberts explained how thermal drones had also detected another threatened species – Greater Gliders.

“An abundance of arboreal species shows the area has high biodiversity value,” she said.

“The number of koalas found throughout the forest supports the balance and growth of the ecosystem.”

The search was organised through the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) as part of the NSW Koala Strategy. Along with a state-wide koala count to establish a population baseline, a first for NSW, the DPE also aims to double the koala population by 2050.

When was the last time you spotted a koala? Message on Facebook or email info@coonabarabrantimes.com