NatureNow

Look out, look out – there are koalas about!

Koala breeding season has started, and with it an increased risk of vehicle strikes and dog attacks. This is what you can do to help Ipswich’s valuable koala population.

Koalas tend to be most active during their breeding season, between August and February, regularly moving around their home range to get food and interact with other koalas.

It’s also a busy time of year for Ipswich Koala Protection Society. Recently the group – which goes beyond Ipswich’s borders – had three rescues in one day.

In the past six months the group has released at least eight koalas back into the wild, including ‘Ripper’ at White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate this month.

Dr Rebecca Larkin from Ipswich Koala Protection Society said Ripper was rescued from Ripley, hence the name.

“A resident discovered him in the backyard, suffering from severe conjunctivitis,” she said.

“He was rescued by Ipswich Koala Protection Society and taken to a facility for treatment.”

Treatment for Ripper’s conjunctivitis took several months, but finally he was ready to be released back into the wild.

Dr Larkin said he was a little bit hesitant at first, but White Rock-Spring Mountain Conservation Estate was within his homing range.

Dr Larkin said the extremely dry conditions, coupled with breeding season would likely keep the group busy with rescues. Ipswich Koala Protection Society has two koala and wildlife ambulances that run 24/7.

“If people see a koala on the ground, even if they’re not sure about its condition, they can give us a ring,” she said.

Contact Ipswich Koala Protection Society on 5464 6274 or see www.ikps.com.au

Ripper the koala being released at White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate

How to help keep our koalas safe

Most koala movements between trees involve travelling along the ground, mainly between dusk and dawn.

With a few simple actions, the risk of dog attacks and roads strikes on koalas can be greatly reduced.

TIPS:

Tie your dog up or keep them inside at night

Drive carefully particularly in areas identified as koala corridors

Report sightings to the Ipswich Koala Protection Society (healthy, injured, sick or deceased)

Create Koala friendly fencing so they can get in and out easily

Make your pool koala safe by including some thick rope attached to a float or an escape board

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