Heat-seeking drones and detector dogs are helping to piece together how the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden fits into protecting Queensland’s endangered koalas.
For three days in March 2022, a high-tech team from Sunshine Coast Council, University of the Sunshine Coast and the Friends of Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens worked together to uncover how many koalas live in the reserve and how healthy they are.
Sunshine Coast Council Environment Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the research was being carried out as part of implementing council’s Koala Conservation Plan.
“Across the three days, the team detected 14 koalas which was a great result and more than expected,” Cr Suarez said.
Supporting research
Koala conservation
Heat seeking drones and detection dogs aid koala conservation.