Exciting Ecology of Koalas: Can You Hear Me Now?

Koala habitat is disappearing. Knowledge of behavioral biology, nutritional needs, and promoting genetic exchange in small populations is essential for understanding how to conserve this beloved species in a rapidly shrinking ecological niche. 

In an effort to better understand the spatial movement patterns, habitat requirements, and reproductive ecology of koalas in the wild, scientists in our Behavioral Biology Division successfully outfitted more than 30 koalas with state-of-the-art GPS transmitters on St. Bees Island, Australia, this year. Much previously unknown information is being obtained, including the finding that koalas have a much greater home range than originally thought and that home range and travel patterns likely vary with reproductive state. 

For the first time, we have now placed remote sound monitors in the field, allowing us to link koala locations with acoustic signals in order to provide a more complete understanding of the mating system. A unique partnership with Telstra, an Australian communications network, is allowing us to use cell phone transmission technology in support of these studies. It is our hope that our research with koalas on St. Bees will lead to better understanding of the factors influencing their distribution across Australia.