: A new research project aims to help koalas in future bushfires. PHOTO: supplied.
A LOCALLY-led research project will study the clinical data of koalas injured in last summer’s bushfires, to give them the best possible chance of survival and recovery in future disasters.
The project is being led by Dr Natasha Speight who is a koala health specialist at the University of Adelaide’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, at Roseworthy, and will review how koalas were affected by last summer’s fires at Kangaroo Island, Cudlee Creek and near Port Macquarie in New South Wales.
It is estimated that tens of thousands of koalas died in last summer’s fires, which swept across large areas of their habitats in eastern and southern Australia – up to 80 per cent of Kangaroo Island koalas and at least 30 per cent in NSW.
“Many of these bushfires occurred in koala habitat, and because koalas are eucalypt specialists and rely upon eucalypt trees for food, water and shelter, they are particularly vulnerable,” Dr Speight said.
“They were burnt or left dehydrated and hungry in the days following the fires, and their rescue and care largely relied on the tireless dedication of experienced koala rescue volunteers, and willingness of wildlife parks, wildlife hospitals, zoos and private veterinary clinics to receive hundreds of patients for treatment and care.
“They did an amazing job. Unfortunately we know it is very likely that there will be more fires in the future, and next time we want to help make sure these wonderful people have the best healthcare guidance at their fingertips.”
With funding support from the Morris Animal Foundation’s new Australian Wildlife Fund, the researchers will work closely with the key agencies that were involved in koala rescue and treatment, including staff from Zoos SA, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, Adelaide Koala Rescue, and Port Macquarie Koala.
“The findings will help identify risk factors and treatment outcomes for koalas related to burns, smoke inhalation, dehydration, and disease,” Dr Speight said.
“This new information will be essential for caring for koalas impacted by future bushfires.”
