Dogs put their noses to work for Gloucester’s koalas

DOGS and koalas do not always have positive interactions, with dog attacks being a primary threat to their survival.

More than 80 per cent of dog attacks on koalas prove to be fatal.

However, it is not all bad news, because dogs are also playing an increasingly important role in helping to locate and save threatened koala populations,

The way in which dogs are helping koalas was well demonstrated at a recent Gloucester event.

The occasion attracted more than 30 people who were fascinated to witness dogs from Canines for Wildlife detecting the presence of koalas on a property adjacent to the Bucketts.

The day’s event was organised and hosted by Hunter Local Land Services (Hunter LLS) in association with MidCoast Council, National Parks, Gloucester Environment Group, and MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare.

“Participants saw a real survey unfold as the dogs Max and Poa helped detect koala presence by finding koala scat on a property that hadn’t previously been surveyed,” a spokesperson for Hunter LLS said.

“The great news was that dogs located multiple fresh scat sites under important koala feed trees, helping build a better picture of where koalas occur and the habitat they use.”

Those taking part in the event learnt about koala behaviour and ecology, and what practical steps could be taken to protect koalas and their habitat, and what was being done locally.

Local Garry Lyford who attended the event was fascinated by the skill of the detection dogs.

“I was interested to see how koala populations are monitored and there was a comprehensive discussion about the different ways of monitoring koala populations,” said Mr Lyford said.

“I was fascinated by the dogs’ behaviour and their sensitivity to koala faeces.

“The dogs were incredibly well trained – they can also be trained for different animal groups, and can be trained to look for other endangered fauna.

“It was a great day.”

By John WATTS