Thermal drones detect thriving koala population in the Barringtons

BY ALEXANDRA REES      

Aussie Ark has conducted a broad-scale koala population survey in their Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary using thermal drones to count the animals.

Operations Manager Dean Reid says they spent five nights in the field, in freezing conditions.

"Aussie Ark, along with our partners WIRES and the veterinary teams from the University of Sydney, went into our Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a 400 hectare predator proof sanctuary looking for koalas," he said.

"We've seen a couple on camera traps so we knew there was a population in there, but we didn't know how big it was, so we wanted to get the data and obviously see how the koalas are doing up in the Barringtons." 

The survey helps determine the abundance of koalas in the area, as well as testing to check for the presence of diseases such as chlamydia and retrovirus.

Mr Reid says these kinds of surveys are essential to sustain the koala population. 

"It's really important these surveys happen, because the koalas are in huge decline," he said.

"We didn't know there was such a population up in the Barrington Tops and it's really good to see there is a thriving population there."

"It gets a picture and a window of maybe new genetics, disease-free if they are, which is really important for the koala population and Aussie Ark." 

First Tassie Devil Joeys Born in Breeding Program This Year, As Snow Falls On Barrington Tops

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Pouch checks have revealed 26 new Tasmanian Devil joeys have been born so far this year, as part of Aussie Ark's breeding program at the Barrington Tops, just in time for the first snow fall of the year.

The devil joeys are reportedly strong and healthy despite the cold weather in the region, with Aussie Ark hoping to to beat last year's number of 69 joeys.

Aussie Ark President Tim Faulkner says the process of checking pouches for devil joeys is one of the most exciting parts of the year.

“Each year, pouch checking is such a special and thrilling process and this year being paired with the first snowfall for the season made it extra special," said Mr Faulkner.

"We are extremely lucky to be able to witness first-hand the circle of life of the Tasmanian devils and the growth of these joeys – now crucial members of their species' insurance population.”

Pouch checking doesn't just help the organisation estimate how many joeys they can expect in the 2020 breeding season - keepers can also assess the health of both mother devils and their young.

Mr Faulkner says staff cannot wait to watch the next generation of Tasmanian devils grow up.

"Our team is working tirelessly every day to make sure Tasmanian devils do not go extinct – extinction is not an option!" said Mr Faulkner.

"It is encouraging to see that every breeding season is bigger than the last and it’s looking positive to be another stellar year!”

Conversation organisation Aussie Ark currently have the most successful captive breeding program for the endangered animals on the Australian mainland.

All Images Credited to Aussie Ark

Keeper Kelly and Max

Tasmanian Devil Joeys

Image credit: Aussie Ark

 Tasmanian Devil Joeys

Tasmanian Devil Joey

Barrington Tops