Local Teamwork Saving Koalas

In the You Yangs Ranges west of Melbourne, brigades of locals are out on weekends working to save koalas. On Koala Conservation Days for Locals, organised by Melbourne-based social enterprise Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours, concerned citizens can join like-minded locals to pull out weeds to create koala habitat and learn about koalas in the wild.

Recent news stories have shown how passionately Australians feel about helping koalas. Social media pages about koalas abound. Echidna Walkabout has been overwhelmed by the response to their Koala Conservation Days for Locals with every day selling out.

The koalas of the You Yangs have long been a tourist drawcard. Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours has been sharing the diverse wildlife of the You Yangs with up to 7,000 international travellers every year since 2006.

“On tours we meet lots of locals who regularly use the park, and we see the pride in their eyes as they meet tourists from all over the world who love the koalas of the You Yangs.” Says Janine Duffy, Owner Operator. “We want to share what we've learned about local koalas, and at the same time increase the koala population by creating more habitat.”

Koala Conservation Days for Locals run once a month, plus special days can be organised for school and community groups. Participation costs just $20, 100% of which goes to supporting koalas. Duffy encourages anyone who lives locally to attend - kids over 7 years old are welcome too – but book early as these days are popular!

Book here: Next date: April 11th, 2015

BACKGROUND:

Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours is a mission-driven social enterprise that offers conservation programs and wildlife tours for international travellers, local volunteers and educational groups. All tours and programs contribute to koala protection, through research and habitat creation. Their “Make a Home for Koala Clancy” conservation program removes over 30,000 invasive weeds every year, and the research has shown a 370% increase in koala sightings since the beginning of the program.

Boneseed Chrysanthemoides monilifera is a Weed of National Significance. “It is regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts” (Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage.) The weed has plagued the You Yangs for 30 years, and inhibits the health of native plants and animals. It was introduced from South Africa to control erosion in the 1940's, and took over large areas of the park after the bushfire of 1985. It is estimated that boneseed infests 1300ha of the 2000ha regional park.

Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours are removing Boneseed from two large blocks of the You Yangs as part of Parks Victoria's “Adopt a Block” initiative.