About the Burnett Koala Project
The 'Burnett Koala Program' is an innovative citizen science and multi-stakeholder collaboration—the first large-scale koala conservation effort in the Burnett catchment.
This program has created an unprecedented baseline dataset on koala population dynamics, health, and regional feed tree species through the non-invasive collection and DNA testing of scats by citizen scientists and local community members. Building on previous citizen science engagement by BCCA, it also systematically records, compiles, and shares incidental koala observations across the region.
Significant Outcomes
The Burnett Koala Program has delivered a number of regional firsts and landmark achievements for koala conservation and community science, including:
- A regional first: the only large-scale koala conservation and citizen science program currently operating in the Burnett.
- Baseline dataset established: development of the region’s first baseline data on koala population dynamics, health, and feed tree species, generated through non-invasive DNA testing of scats collected by citizen scientists.
- Record contributions to data: over 840 koala observations collected entirely by citizen scientists—representing more than 89% of all koala records now held in the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA).
- Major growth in records: since the last report (2022), observation data has increased by 701 records—a rise of 486% (4.86 times).
- Alignment with regional priorities: the program has successfully delivered on Priority Area 1 (Baseline Data) of the Burnett Koala Priority Action Areas, while also making significant contributions to Priority Area 2 (Monitoring) and Priority Area 5 (Community Engagement).
- Stronger awareness and engagement: significant increases in community participation, education, and conservation awareness across the region.
- Next-generation education: delivery of the region’s first and only koala-focused STEM activity tailored to primary schools, inspiring the next generation of land stewards.
- Better planning for conservation action: expanded vehicle incidence data to inform road signage priorities, as well as koala feed tree planting and broader habitat restoration efforts.
Citizen Scientist Observations
Citizen scientists play a vital role in wildlife monitoring, allowing us to gather data across vast areas that formal research teams often can’t reach. Remarkably, these records make up over 89% of all public koala presence data in the Burnett Catchment over the past 25 years. Without this data, significant trends and risks to local koala populations might go unnoticed. Citizen reports have directly informed local and state authorities, supporting decisions on road signage, community awareness campaigns, and even policy discussions focused on protecting koalas in high-risk areas.
In the Burnett Catchment, citizen scientists have recorded over 840 incidental koala observations across 43,450 km²—an area 25% larger than South-East Queensland. This extensive network of observations provides valuable insights, including health status, road incidents, dog attacks, rescues, and releases, offering critical information that helps protect this iconic species.
The National Koala Monitoring Program
As part of the program, the Burnett Koala Program (BKP) facilitated connections between National Koala Monitoring Program (NKMP) and local land managers, and participated in monitoring activities for 'Cluster 17' within the North Burnett region. BKP was also primarily responsible for retrieving acoustic recorders for subsequent analysis by CSIRO scientists, yielding interesting results.
The program also incorporates citizen science contributions to broaden its reach and accuracy. This collaboration represents a critical investment in enhancing koala conservation, underlining the importance of both public and private sector support to sustain and expand data collection for informed conservation planning over the long term.
Citizen scientist workshops
Four community and citizen scientist workshops were held across the Inland Burnett to train participants in identifying, collecting, and storing koala scats for DNA testing. Presented by OWAD Environmental, these workshops covered key topics, including koala ecology and the broader goals of the Burnett Koala Program. Attendees were also introduced to current data on local koala populations and observed live demonstrations with detection dogs, highlighting their vital role in conservation efforts.
Scat Collection by citizen scientists & community
The project encouraged community involvement in scat collection by reaching a broad demographic through various media platforms.
From these efforts a total of 84 koala scat samples were collected by citizen scientists & BCCA scientists throughout the Inland Burnett region. These samples were evaluated by OWAD Environment and deemed suitable for DNA analysis by Federation University’s WildDNA lab. Of the 62 samples assessed for DNA quality, 56 passed quality control and proceeded to genotyping, with 49 samples successfully genotyped in the final analysis.
DNA Population Dynamics
The DNA analysis of koala scats collected by citizen scientists, has given the first clear picture of how Inland Burnett koalas are genetically distinct from their coastal counterparts in Southeast Queensland and from populations further south in the Darling Downs and Scenic Rim.
Core genetic insights:
- Eleven distinct genetic clusters were identified across Southeast Queensland, highlighting extensive fragmentation.
- In the Inland Burnett, two genetically distinct clusters were found (SEQ-10 in the south and SEQ-11 in the north), suggesting limited gene flow likely driven by habitat modification for agriculture rather than natural barriers.
- SEQ-10 (~South Burnett) showed relatively high allelic richness and held five private alleles—the second-highest of all clusters—highlighting its unique conservation value.
- SEQ-11 (~North Burnett) displayed moderate diversity but still contributes important genetic variation.
- Overall, areas with higher disturbance, such as urban and intensively farmed landscapes, had reduced genetic diversity, reinforcing the impacts of fragmentation.
- Migration was heavily unbalanced: 27% of SEQ-11 koalas were inferred to be migrants from SEQ-10, but only 4% moved in the opposite direction.
- SEQ-10 is highly isolated, receiving almost no incoming gene flow from neighbouring populations.
| ANALYSIS |
RESULT |
| Number of unique individuals detected |
42 |
| - Number of females |
26 |
| - Number of males |
11 |
| - Number of undetermined sex |
5 |
| Percentage of individuals detected with pathogens: |
100% |
| - Chlamydia |
43% |
| - KoRV-A |
100% |
| - KoRV-B |
7% |
| - KoRV-D |
31% |
| - KoRV-I |
17% |
| - 2 or more KoRV subtypes |
45% |
Insights into diet
Scat-based diet analysis provides valuable, non-invasive insights into koala feeding habits and habitat use. In this study, a small number of scats (one to two per individual) from a subset of koalas were genotyped against a reference panel of 89 potential food tree species common in Southeast Queensland.
Eighteen tree species were identified in total, including 16 Eucalyptus species, 1 Corymbia, and 1 Angophora. Up to six different tree species were detected within a single scat. At least one tree species was identified in scats tested. However, results varied even between scats from the same animal, highlighting the snapshot nature of single-sample analysis.
Interpretation of these findings requires caution. The limited sample size does not reflect the full range of diet across individuals or seasons. Additionally, the reference panel is heavily weighted toward Eucalyptus species, meaning other food trees may not have been detected.
Importantly, tree species found in scats from modified landscapes like the Inland Burnett may represent what koalas can access rather than what they prefer. Understanding preferred diet requires combining scat analysis with nutritional profiling of available tree species, which was beyond the scope of this project.
Agriculture and biodiversity conservation
Farming plays a vital role in conservation outcomes for threatened species like the koala. Agricultural lands often serve as crucial habitats or corridors that connect fragmented natural areas, enabling species movement and genetic exchange. By implementing conservation-friendly farming practices, such as maintaining native vegetation, establishing wildlife corridors, and reducing chemical use, farmers can create environments that support both agricultural productivity and biodiversity. Moreover, integrating conservation strategies into farming practices helps protect threatened species and their habitats, ensuring their survival while also benefiting the agricultural ecosystem. This symbiotic relationship highlights the importance of involving the agricultural sector in broader conservation efforts to achieve sustainable outcomes for both farming and biodiversity conservation.
In the agricultural Burnett, the conservation of biodiversity has never been more critical to the future of farming communities and to the blight of Australia’s most famous native animal, the koala.
Looking Forward
The "Burnett Koala Program" demonstrates the positive impact of engaging community in environmental conservation activities. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to protecting the Koala and enhancing their habitats, ensuring this endangered continues to thrive in the Burnett region.
Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing monitoring efforts and future conservation initiatives!
For more information visit: Burnett Koala Program or contact misty@betterburnett.com
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