Koala Count

For the 4wks of 7th September (National Threatened Species Day) through to 8th October, Griffith University is carrying out a citizen scientist count of Koalas. Whether you do it each day, as I will, or pick a few days to go out and LOOK, every sighting will add to their database of this endangered species. I intend to put some specific dates on the calendar too, incase you’d rather join me as a group to walk around John Bray Park, Strathpine. Otherwise, carry out some counts yourself in your local stomping ground (Whites Hill, Tooheys, Mt Gravatt etc). It doesn’t matter if it’s the same koalas each day, they want to build a picture of where they are and their home range.

They have created a webinar if you’re unsure what to do. It is going to be held 7th September if you want to join in. Register your interest here How to become a koalafied detective

Basically, you download an app (if you don’t already have it). Qwildlife or iNaturalist are the recording methods. I’ve been using Qwildlife for about 4 months now. It captures your GPS location so stand as close to the tree as possible, if you can take a picture with your phone, then you can attach it to the sighting. You then fill in your contact details and submit.

If you decide to nominate for one of my specific days, then we’ll make sure people are grouped with someone who has the app so don’t panic if you aren’t the sort to use apps on your phone.

If you nominate on this specific calendar entry, I will take it as your intention to carry out counts in and around your area. Up to you then what area you cover and what time of the day. Obviously, they tend to sleep through the day so easier to spot if they aren't on the move. If you just want to join me, then please nominate via the other calendar entries.

For more information on this event please go to

 South East Queenslanders called to count koalas – Griffith News