Drones count koalas

By Lachlan Ellis

Exciting new technology has been part of local efforts to monitor koalas, and a local environmental group has thanked the community for their support.

In partnership with the CSIRO, the Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group (MCLG) used infrared drones during the ‘Moorabool Koala Count’ in February, along with community reports of koala sightings.

The drones were used in tandem with reports by ‘citizen scientists’ using the iNaturalist app to report local koala sightings throughout February, as well as the knowledge of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

MCLG Group Coordinator, Jackson Cass, said the use of drones will help provide accurate data on koala populations with continued yearly use.

“Essentially what we’re trying to do is address the knowledge gaps that exist on koala populations in the Moorabool region. While we’re aware anecdotally that there are less koalas in the region, it’s really having that hard data to be able to prove that also, so we can plot the population over time,” Mr Cass told the Moorabool News.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-03-29/15

in the 29 March 2022 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.