Taronga has been engaged by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water to deliver the Koala Capture and Veterinary Processing component of the Koala Sentinel Population Monitoring Program, part of the broader NSW Koala Strategy.
Taronga has been engaged by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water to deliver the Koala Capture and Veterinary Processing component of the Koala Sentinel Population Monitoring Program, part of the broader NSW Koala Strategy.
The program involves conducting health assessments and fitting tracking devices to collect data on koala density, movement, disease, health, and genetics across six populations in NSW. This multi-year initiative is contributing valuable insights to long-term research efforts aimed at informing koala conservation and population management across the state.
Taronga’s role in the Koala Sentinel Population Monitoring Program involves conducting health assessments and fitting tracking devices to gather data on koala density, movement, disease, health, and genetics across six populations in NSW.
This project spans three years and contributes to broader research conducted under the NSW Koala Strategy, managed by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water.
Map showing locations of the 6 sites at which koalas are assessed in the sentinel monitoring program.
During fieldwork, individual koalas are carefully captured and undergo a comprehensive health assessment, which includes a general anaesthetic, physical examination, and the collection of various samples. Select koalas are also fitted with tracking devices to monitor their movements and home ranges. Each koala is then released back into the exact tree where it was found. Importantly, no koalas are relocated from their original location, ensuring minimal disruption to their natural behaviour and habitat.
Taronga’s team brings extensive expertise in koala care and conservation, comprising a Senior Veterinarian, veterinary nurse, specialist koala catchers, and experienced koala keepers.
Koalas may respond differently to the capture and assessment process, but any stress or discomfort is typically short-term. Throughout the procedure and recovery, the veterinary team closely monitors each koala to ensure they are fully recovered before release. Following release, the team continues to observe the koalas for a period to ensure their wellbeing and safety in their natural environment.
The collar has been specifically designed for koalas to minimise risk and impact. It features smooth components to reduce skin irritation and includes a weight-dependent breaking point, ensuring the collar will release if a koala becomes entangled in a branch. Welfare and safety remain top priorities, and despite the scale of the project, there have been no adverse effects on the koalas.
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