A comprehensive survey conducted in New South Wales (NSW) indicates that the population of the endangered koala may be significantly higher than earlier estimates suggested. The NSW government’s statewide survey, released on October 26, 2023, estimates approximately 274,000 koalas inhabit the state. This figure marks a considerable increase from previous estimates, which ranged between 15,000 and 30,000 koalas.
The survey covered over 1,000 locations across national parks, state forests, and private land. Researchers employed advanced techniques, including heat-detecting drones and acoustic recorders, to enhance the accuracy of their findings. This extensive effort involved more than 6,500 kilometers of nighttime drone flights and over 400,000 hours of acoustic recording during the koala breeding season.
Understanding the Data
Despite the encouraging numbers, experts caution that the updated estimate should not be interpreted as an actual increase in koala populations. The 2022 NSW Koala Strategy had already acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding koala numbers. The latest estimates are a reflection of improved technology and methodological advancements rather than a genuine population surge.
Mathew Crowther, a professor of quantitative conservation biology at the University of Sydney, reviewed the state government’s data prior to its release. He emphasized the importance of understanding that these figures are modeled estimates. “People shouldn’t get too upset or excited,” Crowther stated. “It’s a baseline. We should be more interested in what’s happening to the koalas – are they declining, increasing, or disappearing from areas? We can only do that with ongoing monitoring.”
Crowther noted that certain regions in NSW, such as the far west, the Pilliga region, and much of the south coast, report “notable absences” of koalas, suggesting localized declines in populations.
Implications for Conservation
Tanya Pritchard, senior manager of koala recovery at the World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia, acknowledged the new estimate as valuable information but reiterated that it does not indicate an increase in koala populations. “New approaches like scanning with thermal drones and an increased search effort mean we’re getting better at finding existing koalas,” she explained. “But make no mistake, koalas have suffered a massive decline.”
The NSW government continues to classify koalas as endangered, highlighting ongoing threats such as habitat loss, disease, vehicle strikes, and climate change. State Environment Minister Penny Sharpe stated, “This survey gives us a clearer understanding of where koalas remain in NSW. It is an important tool to guide conservation decisions.”
The data coincides with the Minns government‘s plans for the Great Koala National Park, which aims to add 176,000 hectares of forest to existing reserves, creating one of the largest national parks in the state.
Coalition environment spokesperson James Griffin praised the efforts of the previous government, stating that the NSW koala strategy continues to provide crucial insights and opportunities for better conservation strategies. He emphasized the importance of continued investment in koala conservation and sustainable population growth.
Conversely, NSW Greens environment spokesperson Sue Higginson raised concerns about the implications of the data. She pointed out that the estimated number of koalas does not adequately reflect other critical factors, such as population health and viability. “What we need to focus on is the actual conservation status of koalas in NSW,” Higginson asserted. “We are losing populations, habitat is being destroyed, and animals are suffering from road strikes at unprecedented rates.”
As the situation develops, ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts remain essential to understanding and protecting this iconic Australian species.
