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With reporting from The Guardian
New statewide survey figures suggest there may be far more koalas in New South Wales than previously thought but scientists warn the encouraging headline number doesn’t necessarily mean the species is bouncing back.
According to reporting by The Guardian, the first comprehensive statewide koala survey estimates there could be about 274,000 koalas across NSW. The finding comes from a major government-led project that used new technology including thermal-imaging drones and automatic audio recorders to detect animals that earlier surveys may have overlooked.
Researchers say the increase reflects better counting methods, not necessarily a surge in population.
“It’s a more accurate picture, not a sign that koalas are suddenly thriving,” conservationists told The Guardian. “We shouldn’t confuse improved detection with recovery.”
What it means for the Hawkesbury
Local bushland areas remain important habitat corridors, and wildlife groups say the data reinforces the need to protect trees, manage development carefully and reduce road-strike risk.
While some regions recorded strong detections, others continued to show patchy or declining populations highlighting the uneven reality koalas face across the state.
Threats haven’t gone away
Koalas in NSW are still officially listed as endangered. Ongoing pressures include:
- habitat clearing and fragmentation
- disease
- vehicle collisions
- climate-driven heatwaves and drought
Experts say the new baseline will help governments and communities target conservation work more effectively including proposed protected areas and improved planning controls.
Hope — but not complacency
Wildlife advocates welcomed the more detailed mapping, but stressed the numbers should not be used to justify weakening protections.
“Better data gives us a clearer starting point,” one conservation group said. “But without strong habitat safeguards, the long-term outlook won’t change.”
