Post-fire Koala surveys

We call on you to help us help Koalas in fire affected areas of southwest South East Queensland.

Koalas in that region were already struggling due to the drought before the extensive fires now affecting the region.

We propose to deploy our detection dogs as soon as we can access the region in order to locate survivors that need medical attention. With the help of our detection dogs, we are able to search vast areas fast - up to 100ha per day.

Following a fire, those Koalas that were lucky enough to survive the flames are by no means 'out of the woods': smoke inhalation, wounds becoming infected, lack of nutrition, can all lead to a slow and painful outcome long after fires have ripped through.  Even Koalas in spots that weren't directly hit by the flames are exposed to the effects of prolonged smoke inhalation. All that is on top of the drought in the region and all the other threats our Koalas already face...

How much can a Koala bear? Answer, without help not as much as THAT all at once.

We need to get organised now so that we can hit the ground running as soon as access to the region becomes possible again.
We will be working closely with Ipswich Koala Protection Society to organise a team to be on standby ready to pick up individuals in need we locate.

We are experienced conducting post-fire Koala surveys.  Pictures above and below are during such surveys. Below, Taz found fresh scats indicating the presence of a Koala closeby, and we quickly located said Koala clinging onto a dead tree. 

THANK YOU for helping us help our Koalas!

OWAD Environment Koala Detection Dogs



How will the funds be spent?

The funds will be spent deploying two professional Koala detection dogs and their handlers in fire affected areas of southwest South East Queensland. This will be performed by OWAD Environment who are professional Koala ecologists and experienced conducting post-fire surveys. The funds will also support the carers who will be deployed when a Koala in need of care is located. The more funds can be raised, the more thoroughly we can check the region, perhaps even provide assistance in further regions.
For more information on OWAD Environment visit www.owad.com.au or www.facebook.com/koaladetectiondogs.
For more information on Ipswich Koala Protection Society visit www.ikps.com.au or www.facebook.com/ipswichkoalaprotectionsociety.