Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population occupying the coastal sub-catchments between Dignam's Creek and Wapengo Lagoon near Bega in south-eastern New South Wales - rejection of endangered population listing

The NSW Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to reject a proposal to list a population of Koalas Phascolarctos cinereus (Goldfuss, 1817), occupying the coastal sub-catchments between Dignam's Creek and Wapengo Lagoon near Bega in south-eastern New South Wales as an endangered population in Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Act. Rejection of nominations is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. The Koala Phascolarctos cinereus (Goldfuss, 1817) (family Phascolarctidae) is not currently listed as an endangered species in Part 1 of Schedule 1 or a critically endangered species in Part 1 of Schedule 1A and as a consequence populations of this species are eligible to be listed as endangered populations if they satisfy the clauses specified in the Threatened Species Conservation Regulation 2002. The species is currently listed as Vulnerable in Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act.

2. A population of Koalas in south-eastern New South Wales between the Bega River and Wallaga Lake, and primarily east of the Princess Highway was nominated for consideration as an endangered population. The nominated population area was defined to include the sub-catchments of Dignam's Creek, Narira Creek, Bermagui River, Cuttagee Lake, Murrah River and Wapengo Lagoon, and spans portions of the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla local government areas.

3. The quality of Koala habitat in this area is deteriorating because of multiple factors including extensive canopy dieback, clearing due to rural-residential development and commercial forest harvesting. Koalas currently occur at a low density in southeast NSW including the nominated population area.

4. Satellite images indicate that, relative to the Koala's dispersal ability, suitable habitat for dispersal is largely continuous between the nominated population area and adjoining habitat, including forested land south to the Victorian border. Based on this habitat continuity and Wildlife Atlas records of Koalas, the nominated population is not disjunct from the broader population of Koalas that occupies forests in southeast NSW. The Committee recognises that this broader Koala population is an important component of the species' viability in NSW.

5. Koalas in the nominated population area are not near the limit of the species' geographical range. They are neither genetically, morphologically nor ecologically distinct, nor is the nominated population area of significant conservation value relative to other populations of the species in NSW.

6. In view of the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the nominated population of Koalas Phascolarctos cinereus (Goldfuss, 1817), occupying the coastal sub-catchments between Dignam's Creek and Wapengo Lagoon near Bega in south-eastern New South Wales, is not eligible to be listed as an endangered population in Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Act.

Professor Lesley Hughes
Chairperson
Scientific Committee

Proposed Gazettal date: 14/12/07
Exhibition period: 14/12/07 – 08/02/08