Resurveying permanent monitoring points across Elanora and Currumbin Waters on behalf of the City of Gold Coast Council to provide updated data on koala occupancy, habitat utilisation and density estimates. Spatial and temporal analysis provided context to observed changes in the koala population (surveyed every two years since 2012) and an understanding of the population trends. A long-term monitoring program which employs consistent methodology is extremely valuable to conservation management. Changes in home range areas and the associated metapopulation boundaries are expected over short time scales as local populations experience fluctuations and respond to their environment. Long-term datasets can reveal broader patterns, identifying (and flagging) persistent declines and recommending actions to mitigate any losses.
