Koalasin backyardsKoalas are currently listed as vulnerable by both NSW and Commonwealth Governments. Inland NSW koalas are under threat due to heatwaves, habitat fragmentation and disease such as chlamydia.

We can all do our bit to look after our koalas.

HOW TO MAKE A KOALA FRIENDLY BACKYARD• Fences can either be used to include or exclude koalas; choosing a koala friendly

fence makes sure that the koalas maintain access to their home range (image 1).• Dogs should be tied up or kept inside at night; koalas are most active at night and

most likely to be attacked during this time. Even the friendliest dogs have been known to cause injury to koalas (image 2).

• Report roaming dogs to your local animal control to reduce attacks on koalas.• Plant koala friendly trees (fi nd out more from your Local Land Services team).• Control cactus weeds, especially tiger pear that can incapacitate a koala (image 3).• Provide water for koalas particularly during summer in shallow dishes at the base of

trees and away from dogs (image 4).• Leave koalas alone; koalas are easily stressed by too much attention from humans

and dogs.

FENCINGExclusion fencing could be needed if you have a dog that is not going to be contained at night or you have a pool.

ACCESSIBLE EXCLUSION

• Mesh or wooden fences with horizontal slats with a minimum of 1cm gaps between each slat.

• A wooden plank can be put on top to make a koala friendly walkway.

• For pre-existing sheet metal fences, wooden poles can be placed at 45 degrees on either side of the fence to make a bridge.

• Or increase the height of your fence to 30 cm so that koalas can pass easily underneath.

• Perspex, transparent glass or sheet metal fences or a minimum of 50 cm of one of these materials at the top of a mesh fence.

• Fence less than 15 cm off the ground.

• No trees or shrubs within 3m of the fence.

GULGGUNNEDAH URBAN LANDCARE GROUP

BE KOALA AWAREON THE ROAD

Koalas have poor eyesight and are at risk of being hit by cars, trucks and trains. Keep this in mind when driving, particularly in areas signposted as known koala habitat.

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WHAT IF I FIND A KOALA THAT IS SICK OR INJURED?If you suspect that a koala is sick or injured you should contact WIRES on 1300 094 737. WIRES carers are qualifi ed to assess and determine what care the animal needs and will refer to a vet if required. Let them know where you found the koala so a decision can be made about a release site when the animal recovers.

The most common reasons for sick and injured koalas in the north-west NSW region are dehydration due to heatwaves, road injuries, dog attacks and diseases such as chlamydia.

Typical symptoms and behaviours of sick and injured koalas:

BEHAVIOUR

• Does not respond when startled or approached

• Able to be approached• Remaining in the same tree for an

extended period of time (i.e. longer than a few days – particularly so if the tree is not a koala food tree)

• Obvious signs of pain and suff ering

EYES, MOUTH & CHIN

• Discharge of mucus from eyes • Swollen eyes (image 6)• Absence of fur immediately around the

eyes• Dribbling saliva from mouth• Teeth grinding (but not eating gum

leaves)• Chin is a blue-ish colour

BODY

• Matted fur• A brown stain on the fur around the

koala’s rump (image 5)• Obvious sign of injury (e.g. broken

limbs, open wounds)

MOVEMENT

• Uncoordinated (wobbly)• Not using all four limbs when walking

or climbing• Disorientated• Unable to climb tree• On the ground and not moving*

RESTING PLACE

• In a tree but low to the ground• Sitting or lying on the ground for an

extended period*

*Note: It is common for koalas to come down from trees during periods of extreme hot weather to fi nd a cool spot on the ground. You may wish to leave water out for koalas however do not try to pat or pick them up, as this will cause additional stress and may result in injury to both you and the koala.

Reference: Factsheet, Sick and Injured Koalas, South Australia Department of Environment and Natural Resources

REPORT A SIGHTINGShare a photo on social media and submit records of koala sightings into the Atlas of Living Australia database at www.ala.org.au

On Facebook www.facebook.com/GunnedahUrbanLandcareGroup and www.facebook.com/groups/Project.Koala.Gunnedah

This publication was produced by North West Local Land Services through funding from Catchment Action NSW. Thanks go to Toni Rissmann from Seeds for Success for coordinating this project and to Project Koala Gunnedah members for their invaluable input.

© State of New South Wales through Local Land Services 2019. The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing February 2019. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that the information upon which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with the appropriate offi cer of Local Land Services or the user’s independent adviser. For updates go to www.lls.nsw.gov.au

This pub ation was produced by North WesThanks

© State owriting Fand to ch

o Toni Rissmann from Se

New South Wales through Local bruary 2019. However, because of ack the currency of the information w

MORE INFORMATIONNorth West Local Land Services35 - 37 Abbott StreetGUNNEDAH NSW 2380T: 02 6742 9220www.northwest.lls.nsw.gov.au

Gunnedah Urban Landcare GroupPO Box 94 GUNNEDAH NSW 2380E: gulg2380@gmail.comT: 0427 007 826

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Photo credits: Maree Kelly, Ingrid Yeo and Jenny Shorter.