The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria are undertaking another count of Koalas on Raymond Island.
The count, which will help inform the management of the Koala population on the island, will be held on Friday 16 October 2015.
DELWP Biodiversity officer, Leona Waldegrave-Knight said: “Since the introduction of 42 Koalas to Raymond Island in 1953, the numbers have steadily grown. Numbers peaked in 2003 with 605 Koalas. Since then there has been active management of the population in an effort to protect the welfare of the Koalas and their habitat,” Ms Waldegrave-Knight said. “Our main management strategy in recent years is the use of fertility control to slow down the population growth, but translocation of small numbers of Koalas to suitable areas near Bairnsdale has occurred in the past and may occur this year. Knowing the number of Koalas on the island is important information that is used to help make decisions on their management. We’re working towards a healthy and sustainable population to protect Koala welfare and for the local community and visitors to enjoy.”
If you are interested in volunteering to help count Koalas please register with the DELWP office in Bairnsdale on 51 520600 before Wednesday 14 October, so teams can be organised and for catering.
Volunteers are asked to arrive at the Raymond Island Community Hall between 9.00am and 11.00 am on Friday 15 October. They will be given instructions and a safety briefing and led by DELWP and Parks Victoria staff to various parts of the island to count Koalas. A sausage sizzle lunch will be provided at the hall.
Participants are asked to dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes, preferably with long sleeves and pants and bring their own water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars would also be beneficial.
The count may be postponed at short notice if weather conditions are extreme.
Rachel Dawkins
Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning
