Koalas Take A Tree Break For Logging Study
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday October 24, 1997
The Pilliga Scrub's koala colony, estimated by foresters to be "anywhere between thousands and hundreds of thousands", this week came under the world spotlight as the subject of a study into whether logging is a danger to the species.
While many studies have been done on the distribution and biology of the animal listed as "a vulnerable species" under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, there has been little research into tree preferences, habitat utilisation, ecology and the effect of logging.
Scientific data from a $250,000 koala research project now under way will enable proper assessment of appropriate improvements in logging zones, according to project director Dr Rod Kavanagh, research scientist with State Forests.
Dr Kavanagh acknowledges public concern over habitat management "for this very charismatic animal".
"We need to demonstrate, hopefully, that there are no adverse effects on koalas from logging, and provide data to back up our opinion that its welfare is of less concern than other species such as the greater glider, bats, large forest owls and frogs, all of which are very sensitive to heavy logging," he said.
"This study will benchmark the levels of disturbance from logging that koalas can tolerate, determining whether logging has no impact whatsoever, whether they move out of the area, wither and die, or remain unaffected and continue breeding.
"The broad objectives are to improve the long-term conservation status of koalas in western NSW, to foster understanding between foresters and the Australian Koala Foundation, and to develop expertise in koala handling and research."
The field hospital on the bare earth of Department 211 of the 390,000-hectare Pilliga Scrub in north-western NSW swings into action with the arrival of the first of 30 of the world's most charismatic patients.
A miniature anaesthetic machine quickly renders the koala unconscious as microbiologists, research veterinarians and international observers work feverishly on a full clinical examination.
DNA analyses will check for any genetic differences between the Pilliga koalas and other communities.
Blood samples will be tested together with swabs from the eyes, throat, paws and nasal cavity.
Sex, reproductive status, age, weight and body condition are carefully logged.
The objective is to have the animal declared fit, ear-tagged, fitted with a radio collar and back up its tree within the hour.
State Forest and National Parks officers will radio-track the 30 koalas between now and January, when logging will commence and continue until March.
"The whole circus will return to the Pilliga in November next year to recapture the 30 animals, remove their collars and reassess their health status," Dr Kavanagh said.
© 1997 Sydney Morning Herald