Donate to Koala Research - CQ
Help protect a native icon
The Koala Research-CQ research team are driven by a deep passion to protect one of Australia’s most beloved and vulnerable species—the koala. Based in Central Queensland, this group’s mission goes beyond research, aiming to create a legacy of hope for koalas and the ecosystems they depend on. By uniting communities, industries, and individuals, their goal is to safeguard the future of these iconic animals.
Their work focuses on four key areas:
- Koala Ecology: Mapping habitats, conducting surveys, and assessing threats to protect koala environments.
- Koala Biology: Using non-invasive methods to monitor health, identify diseases, and reduce stress in koalas.
- Koala History: Preserving the cultural connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and koalas.
- Community Engagement: Inspiring conservation through education, community programs, and internships.
Koala Research-CQ is more than a scientific endeavour—it’s a call to action to ensure koalas remain a vital part of Australia’s future.
Join us today in protecting the future of Central Queensland's koalas.
Why Your Support Matters
Koala Research-CQ has made significant strides in improving conservation management for endangered koala populations, particularly in Central Queensland. Through key partnerships with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Earthwatch, universities, and local community groups, the group’s efforts have had a measurable impact. Citizen scientists and volunteers have been integral to expanding the reach of the project, contributing vital local knowledge and helping drive meaningful change.
Some key outcomes of the team's work include:
- Establishing the main cortisol metabolites in koala faeces and the baseline levels of these metabolites during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Measuring these metabolites to effectively detect stress in injured and diseased koalas.
- Gauging landholders’ attitudes and willingness towards koala conservation in Central Queensland.
- Analysing koala roadkill data along the Peak Downs Highway and monitoring the effectiveness of wildlife fencing along this road.
The Koala Research - CQ Team
Led by dedicated researchers Dr. Flavia Santamaria and Dr. Rolf Schlagloth, the team has focused on preserving koala habitats, preventing disease, and mitigating the effects of urban development. Their research has informed policy changes at the local, national, and international levels, helping to create lasting solutions for koala conservation.
Community involvement
Koala Research-CQ is deeply rooted in community partnerships and engagement. The program continues to gather insights from local citizen scientists and volunteers, driving widespread awareness and action for koala conservation. The research has led to a ripple effect, influencing conservation policies and practices at local, national, and international levels.
Future goals
With ongoing research efforts, the team at CQUniversity is committed to ensuring the longevity of koala populations in Central Queensland for generations to come. Continued community-driven efforts will inform future conservation policies, habitat management strategies, and public education, all working towards thriving koala populations.
Join us in safeguarding Koalas’ future
By supporting the CQUniCares Appeal, you play a direct role in this critical research. Your donation will fund essential work in koala biology, ecology, and conservation, helping to secure the future of one of Australia’s most treasured species. Every contribution brings us closer to a future where koalas thrive in the wild, free from the threats they currently face.
Your support will truly make a difference.
Learn More About the Koala Research-CQ Group
Transcript
Dr Rolf Schlagloth:
The koala is currently listed as an endangered species. Loss and fragmentation of habitat are key threats to the long-term survival of the koala.
Here in Central Queensland, in some areas we still have large tracts of more or less continuous habitat. Many local landholders and the community value and love their koalas, and they do their bit to preserve the species as they are willing to look after the koala habitat in their area.
We work with individuals and groups to promote koala conservation, management actions that support koala habitat retention, and improvement and research into the specific threats to local koala populations.
Dr Flavia Santamaria:
So, now that koalas are unfortunately listed as endangered, the focus needs to be on restoring populations and ensuring koalas are thriving. It is paramount to know if populations in Central Queensland are healthy and if they are able to cope with the current and future challenges posed by habitat clearing and climate change.
Chlamydia, Koala Retrovirus, study of gut flora, stress levels, knowing the DNA of specific populations are all important indicators for determining the health status of koalas.
With out mostly non-invasive research, we want to determine the short and the long-term impact that habitat clearing, and climate change have on koalas health.
We analyse feacal pellets (koala poo) to determine the DNA and health of these animals.
Please donate today.
