Page 4 - BOL August 21 Edition

Scientists Seek Urban Kangaroo

Sightings Across SEQ

If you’ve seen a kangaroo or wallaby around your part of town
recently, researchers from USC Australia want to know about
it for a study that could bolster protection efforts.

USC wildlife ecologist Dr Beth Brunton is leading the study to
understand the occurrence and distribution of kangaroos and
wallabies across South East Queensland for comparison against
historical data.

“Our community survey in 2015 showed a decline in many
kangaroo populations over the past two decades,” Dr Brunton
said.

“As habitat loss and road kills of kangaroos have increased in
recent years, we want to know if populations are still declining
and where they are most at risk.

“We’d like to hear from local people who have seen kangaroos
and wallabies on their property or surrounds or who have
knowledge of kangaroos in their area. Everyone is invited to
share their experiences and knowledge to benefit wildlife
conservation in our region.”

She has created an online survey where residents can record
their sightings. The anonymous survey takes about 10-20
minutes to complete.

Dr Brunton said the information would help her team to work
with local and state governments to ensure future protection for
populations that are at risk by establishing recommendations
for sustainable management of threatened populations.

She said South East Queensland’s wildlife populations had been
placed under increased pressure due to urban encroachment
and development.

“There has been a decline in up to 40 percent of populations
of Eastern grey kangaroo, especially in coastal areas where
urbanisation is greatest,” she said. “We’d like to know if the
decline has continued in the last few years. There is also little
known about many wallaby species across the region.

“In gathering information about the trends across the wider
region, we want to hear from residents. There is a wealth of
knowledge out there in our community.”
For more information, please visit:
https://forms.gle/GnKVcrSPUi272ovs5