Here are a few facts from the North West Local Land Services’ brochure about Gunnedah’s koalas:
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- “Guda” is the Gamilaraay word for koala.
- The koala is listed as a “vulnerable” species, meaning it is recognised as being at risk of extinction.
- Gunnedah koalas are greyer in colour and smaller than koalas in southern Australia. This is believed to be due to an adaptation to hotter and drier weather.
- Koala sightings in Gunnedah were unusual before the 1980s. It was during the 1980s that Gunnedah became known as a koala “hotspot”. Research showed the region was one of the few areas in Australia where the koala population was increasing. This was attributed to an increase in habitat from tree plantings.
- A not-so-fun fact is the sharp decline in Gunnedah’s koala population since 2009, with many factors contributing to this, including heat, habitat loss and disease.
- If you see a sick or injured koala, call a WIRES representative (1300 094 737) or a local vet for advice.
