This iconic native animal is found across forest and woodland environments of the Mornington Peninsula.
Koalas face many human induced threats - the most concerning is habitat loss, particularly the removal of their food trees for housing and infrastructure. Habitat loss and fragmentation is a serious issue for Koalas because they have a specialised low-energy, low-nutrient diet of eucalyptus leaves. This means they have a limited amount of energy to use when travelling between patches of food trees. Other threats to Koalas include attack by domestic dogs and vehicle collisions.
How you can help
Protect koala habitat
The most important thing you can do to help koalas is to protect existing habitat trees and surrounding vegetation on your property. Koalas need many healthy mature trees for food and shelter. Even non-eucalypts can provide much needed cover. Before pruning trees or shrubs, check for Koala use (look for their poo on the ground) and limit pruning if koalas use the area. You can also ensure that that fences on your property are Koala friendly (i.e. ones that Koalas can climb).
Plant koala trees
Whilst protecting existing habitat trees is crucial, planting trees is also important. Depending on which area of the peninsula you live, the following Koala food trees might be suitable:
- Manna Gum Eucalyptus viminalis
- Swamp Gum Eucalyptus ovata
- Messmate Eucalyptus obliqua
- Narrow-leaved Peppermint Eucalyptus radiata
Koalas also use non-food trees for shelter, particularly Acacia species. Before you plant its important to check which trees are suitable for your local area, as some parts of the peninsula aren't suitable for koala tree plantings. To find out which areas of the peninsula are suitable for koala trees take a look at the trees and habitat information on MPKoala's website.
Keep your dog under control
Take care with your dog. Unrestrained dogs can harass and injure koalas and other wildlife, particularly when they come to the ground to move between trees.
Be wildlife-aware when driving
Koalas and other wildlife often move across our roads. For your safety and theirs, be aware and slow down, particularly dawn and dusk when visibility is poor and koalas are likely to be moving between trees. If you do see koalas or other wildlife when you are driving, be careful and give them plenty of time to move off the road.
The Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation Landcare Group, or MP Koalas for short, does fantastic work to protect koalas. Visit their website to find out how you can get involved. You could also join your local and Friends Groups also do great work to protect habitat for their local wildlife. Find out more on our Landcare and Friends Groups pages.