Koalas in Budj Bim indigenous protected areas

Partnering with Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners and experienced vets, DELWP completed a two-week koala management program across the Budj Bim Indigenous Protected Areas in south-west Victoria between 9-22 May 2022.

This work will help protect declining Manna Gum trees and special cultural values across the landscape.

A total of 125 koalas were captured and underwent health checks over the two-week period.  Of those checked, 68 were female and 57 male, with 49 healthy females fertility controlled.

This will help reduce the number of fertile females across the population of koalas in the area and support better health outcomes.

Given the over browsing occurring in some areas, unfortunately, 30 koalas were assessed by experienced veterinarians to be in poor health and were humanely euthanised to prevent further suffering.

The project has been funded as a one-off initiative through the Bushfire Biodiversity Response and Recovery Program.

The Program delivers actions to support wildlife and biodiversity impacted by the 2019–20 Victorian bushfires outlined in Victoria’s Bushfire emergency: Biodiversity response and recovery report.

Budj Bim is a culturally significant, World Heritage listed site located in the traditional Country of the Gunditjmara people in south-west Victoria containing one of the world’s most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems.