Landcare Learning recap - Eyes in the Sky for Koala Conservation

A recent Landcare Learnings event shone a spotlight on the innovative WildSeek Koala Project, a national collaboration between Landcare Australia, WIRES, and QUT, with Tamworth Regional Landcare (TRLA) one of just five community hubs involved across the country. Funded through donations following the 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires, the project combines ecology and drone technology to track and protect koala populations in our region. At the heart of the initiative is a high-tech thermal imaging drone, used locally by TRLA to locate koalas in the wild.

Drone pilot James Filby shared fascinating footage captured across sites like Nundle, Currabubula, and Gunnedah, with future surveys planned for Bendemeer and Moonbi. Highlights included spotting wildlife from above the treetops and discovering over 30 koalas during recent flights. Peter Grono complemented the tech talk with insights into koala ecology, habitat needs, and the specific eucalypt species koalas prefer—crucial knowledge for guiding future habitat restoration efforts.

Attendees had a rare chance to see the drone up close and learn about the challenges of surveying in rugged terrain or dense canopy. The event sparked meaningful conversations about tree planting, monitoring, and the power of combining community, science, and storytelling. A follow-up session in 2026 is already being discussed, with strong interest from attendees to stay involved in this ground-breaking local conservation work.