Thursday, October 30, 2014

Are there any koalas in Lake Macquarie? - ABC Online


The area doesn't have nearly the same population density of koalas as Port Stephens, but koalas have previously been recorded in the forested west and south-west parts of the lake, around Awaba, Mandalong and Morisset as well as the Wallarah Peninsula.


The council is encouraging residents to join the national Koala Count from November 7 to 17, and says it's just as important to know where koalas aren't present.


"Our area is abundant with native flora and fauna and research indicates that we do have koalas in Lake Macquarie," says sustainability manager Dr Alice Howe.


"However. last year local participants didn't spot one in their native habitat so we are hoping this year they will."


Participants can record their sightings using a GPS-enabled smartphone app, BioTag or by entering the details directly onto the online portal at http://ift.tt/1vgXeD9.


"Some likely areas for koala spotting in Lake Macquarie include our bushland areas around Awaba, Freemans Waterhole, Cooranbong, Killingworth, Mandalong, Morisset, Cameron Park, West Wallsend, Wangi Wangi and Coal Point," Dr Howe says.


Residents who are interested in the initiative can attend a workshop at Toronto Library on November 8, and can make bookings on 49 210333.


The Koala Count is run by the National Parks Association of NSW.


Dr Alice Howe spoke to Carol Duncan on 1233 ABC Newcastle Afternoons.



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