Identifying and Mapping Prospective Koala Habitat on Woppa (Great Keppel Island), Queensland, to Explore Future Conservation Opportunities
2025
Carlie Sommers | Michael Hewson | Rolf Schlagloth | Sophie George
This study assessed the suitability of Woppa (Great Keppel Island), Queensland, as potential koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) habitat by combining existing koala-habitat ranking datasets with satellite-derived vegetation-health indices to inform conservation planning. This exploratory analysis establishes a spatial baseline to guide future ecological surveys, cultural consultation, and restoration planning on Woppa. Analysis of the Koala Habitat Ranking (NESP) and Regional Ecosystems (RE) layers indicated that only 2.7% of the island&rsquo:s vegetation is classified as high-quality koala habitat. Satellite-derived indices (NDVI and LAI) were used to evaluate the vegetation condition of these and other vegetated areas across wet and dry seasons: some high-ranked patches displayed comparatively greater resilience to seasonal stress: however, the remote-sensing data did not confirm the presence or abundance of key Eucalyptus species. Given the small extent of high-ranked habitat and projected climate stressors, the study does not recommend translocation. Instead, it emphasises the need for targeted ground-truthing to verify tree species and habitat structure, monitoring of vegetation health, habitat restoration where feasible, and co-designed decision-making with the Woppaburra People, including assessments of carrying capacity, genetic viability, and disease risk, before any reintroduction is contemplated.
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