Redlands Coast residents are encouraged to watch out for local koalas on the move, as the annual breeding season begins.
As part of Redland City Council’s koala safe neighbourhood program, ambassador koalas like Rose and her joey (pictured) receive regular health checks.
Rose, Kokomo and Kimo, koala ambassadors at Wellington Point, have found love and are now expecting joeys, poised to be the next generation of Redlands Coast’s koala population.
While koalas can be spotted on Redlands Coast any time of the year, the period from August to December sees an increase in koala movement across roads and through yards, as they venture to find a mate. In their urban exploration, koalas use a variety of trees as crucial stepping stones.
While they are most active at night, they may roam during the day if disturbed, uncomfortable due to temperature changes, or simply in search of food.
Males tend to be more vocal during this season, communicating with distinctive low-pitched bellows and grunts.
It’s crucial for residents to remain alert as koalas cross roads or through private properties. You can help local koalas with these simple actions:
- Ensure pets are kept indoors at night and on a lead when out walking, as this helps secure safe pathways for koalas. Even if your dog doesn’t intend to attack a koala, the presence of a dog in the vicinity can induce stress and potential harm.
- If you see a koala moving between trees or across a road, maintain a respectful distance unless it’s in immediate danger.
- Transform your backyard into a koala-friendly environment by planting trees and installing a koala-friendly fence escape. It’s as easy as putting a post or pole that is at least 10cm thick against your fence, giving a safe escape route to all wildlife.
- For pool owners without a beach-style pool, consider adding a sturdy rope or a wildlife pool escape ramp to provide a way out for koalas. These precautions can also serve as a potential lifesaver for your pets.
- If you suspect a koala is sick or injured, call the Redlands 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service on 3833 4031.
- Residents can play a vital role in improving the wellbeing of the local koala population by joining
Redlands Coast Koala Watch. The information gathered through Koala Watch is used to develop koala conservation actions, help reduce the incidence of sick and injured koalas, and improve local koala mapping.
For more information on koalas on Redlands Coast or Koala Watch, visit council’s koala conservation website.
