Some
years ago, there was a vibrant koala colony around Iluka, but bushfires,
disease, dogs and expansion of human activity drastically reduced their
numbers.
With no reported
sightings for several years it was thought the population had died out, and koalas
were deemed to be functionally extinct from Iluka. But then records by WIRES
Clarence Valley branch began to rekindle interest, and further ecological
studies showed them to be returning, albeit in very small numbers.
Tragically one or two
were road deaths, and some beyond help, so unable to be returned. However more lately
koalas have been reported, mainly from around the golf course, the conservation
reserve, Sid Gill Park, Iluka Road, and in
more unexpected places like Moriarty's break wall, from where it was relocated
by WIRES, on a cafe verandah, and in a resident's garage.
Photographs taken by Iluka's
keen koala spotters have shown these animals to be mainly in good health, so able
to be left to do what koalas are designed to do.
Recently a cyclist spotted
a koala cross the Iluka Road into bushland, where it climbed a small tree then
sat a convenient 2m off the ground, so enabling a good close look. The resident
then called Clarence Valley WIRES, and reported the koala to be an adult male,
suffering from an injured or diseased left eye.
Unfortunately he
disappeared before help could arrive. So residents are now urged to keep a look
out for this koala, which could be in severe trouble if the eye problem is a chlamydia-related
disease.
WIRES are also calling
for Iluka residents as well as visitors to the area, to report all koala sightings,
whether apparently healthy or not, for recording on the NSW Wildlife Atlas, or for
capture and treatment where possible of sick or injured animals by experienced
WIRES koala rescuers and carers, before hopefully their safe return to their
usual surroundings.
Even a koala high in a
tree will add to the knowledge of their range
For any sightings please
notify the WIRES Threatened Species Reporting Officer (0456 689 134)
- Patricia Edwards
This article was originally published in the VOICES FOR THE EARTH column in The Daily Examiner on September 25, 2017.
NOTE: Iluka is on the northern side of the mouth of the Clarence River.
