5000 Koala recordings at Morton National Park
and surrounds as population recovers from Black Summer
Abundant koala populations have been recorded between Morton to Bungonia which were ravaged by the Black Summer bushfires, proving the resilience of the bush and native species.
Close to 5,000 koala bellows have been recorded during a survey stretching over 4,000 hectares between Marulan and Kangaroo Valley.
The distinctive male koala bellow is a deep, guttural ‘snore’ and is heard loud and clear from mating male koalas above the cacophony of nighttime bush noises.
More than 115 tiny box-shaped sound recorders were strapped to trees at sites during the last breeding season, capturing the sounds of the bush every night for two weeks. Koala bellows were detected up to about 200 metres away.
With the help of AI, 19,000 hours of recordings identified 4,991 bellows across 43 sites in Morton National Park, and on some neighbouring private properties. One site recorded the sounds of male koalas 19 out of 21 nights.
As the largest and most comprehensive koala survey undertaken in the area, the data confirms the presence of koalas and will be an invaluable baseline for future research work.
The project received funding from the Australian Government Saving Koalas Fund and was jointly delivered by experts from the NSW Government’s Local Land Services and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The NSW Government has recently expanded Morton National Park, with the addition of 380 hectares of prime koala habitat.
This new parcel of land offers greater protection to a range of threatened species in the region such as the brush-tailed rock wallaby, glossy black cockatoos and the spotted-tailed quoll.
National Parks will introduce fire management practices, weed and feral animal control, and threatened species conservation. This will further strengthen wildlife populations and improve the landscape’s resilience to climate change, fires and drought.
Federal Minister for the Environment, Murray Watt said “The Albanese Government supported this important project with a $3 million investment – knowing there is a strong koala presence around NSW’s Southern Highlands is vital information for ecologists to keep supporting the long-term conservation of koalas and their habitat.
“Our Saving Koalas Fund is delivering more than $76 million to ensure koala populations across the country not only survive – but thrive.”
NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said “The survey results are proof the koala population not only survived the fires but are spreading right across the Morton–Bungonia landscape.
“The Minns Labor Government is working hard to rollout conservation work to protect and boost koala populations, which includes expanding Morton National Park to protect more vital koala habitat.”
NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said “This project is a great example of how technology and ecology can come together to support native species conservation.
“The data collected will help inform land management decisions to ensure a safe and sustainable future for koala populations.”
NSW Member for Monaro, Minister Steve Whan said “This project highlights the value of ongoing research and mapping of NSW’s threatened koala population.
“A strong and protected koala population on our doorstep in Monaro is a great addition to our already rich biodiversity.”
NSW Member for the South Coast, Liza Butler said “These were some of the hardest-hit areas during the Black Summer. The return and persistence of koalas here is a powerful sign of resilience, both in the landscape and the species.
“Expanding Morton National Park means more safe ground for koalas and a host of other threatened species. It’s a win for biodiversity and a vital step in securing this region’s ecological future.”
NSW Member Elect for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said “Adding 380 hectares of prime koala habitat to Morton National Park helps us protect not only koalas, but other endangered species such as the southernmost colony of brush-tailed rock-wallabies.”
