Five Year Koala Study Reveals New Populations In Gippsland
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
Friends of the Earth is still waiting for the State Government to release a report on the genetics of Victorian koalas. This study will finally acknowledge the genetic significance of the Strzelecki/South Gippsland koala populations. The Government has been 'sitting on the report' since July 2025. Acknowledgement of the significance of the Strzelecki koala, could help listing the animal under the Federal EPBC Act.
Friends of the Earth is also waiting on the State Government to reserve the second tract of land consisting of 2500 hectares to be added the Brataualung Forest Park in the Strzelecki Ranges. The State Government paid for this land almost 20 years ago, and yet only one third of the promised reserved has been gazetted through Parliament.
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