A five-year study of two forest areas in south east, South Gippsland has found a relatively unknown population of Strzelecki koalas. Strzelecki koalas are Victoria’s and South Australia’s only genetically diverse koalas, not impacted by Victoria’s translocation program. The surveys were based on locating koala scats (faeces).
Land Use Researcher from Friends of the Earth, Anthony Amis said “The study of Mullungdung and Won Wron State Forests has revealed a population of about 700 koalas. This could amount to a quarter of the entire Strzelecki koala population. It’s imperative that the State Government increase the reserve status of these forests to about 15,000 to 20,000 hectares and acknowledge the significance of this population.“
Key findings from the study include:
Estimated koala population at Mullungdung: 489 +-109*
Estimated koala population at Won Wron: 181 +-51*
Mullungdung Preferred Koala Habitat 6666ha
Won Wron Preferred Koala Habitat 2805ha
12 species of Eucalypts utilised by koalas
Favourite Koala Trees Mountain Grey Gum, Swamp Gum, Yellow Stringybark
Average Mountain Grey Gum size, with scats, 945mm DBH, highlighting preference for older trees 80 years+
Drone Surveys confirmed Primary Koala Habitat Estimations
Creekline Herb Rich Woodland and Riparian Scrub accounted for 50% of all scats at Mullungdung.
Mountain Grey Gum are of utmost importance but are not listed in main Ecological Vegetation Classes.
50 koala hotspots identified
Over 5400 trees surveyed
Koalas appear more frequently in riparian zones at Mullungdung, than Won Wron
Mountain Grey Gum appears to be more numerous at Mullungdung, than Won Wron, with Swamp Gum appearing more popular at Won Wron
Scats found in Won Wron Plains Woodlands or Forests are more common than Mullungdung, particularly in the southern half of Won Wron.
*Estimates provided by Biolink
