THE CAPE community are proud to announce significant progress in Project Koala, a community led initiative to restore and enhance the local koala habitat in Cape Paterson.
This environmentally focused project was launched in February 2021 and seeks to protect the rare and genetically distinct Strzelecki Koala.
Cape Paterson is home to a small population of koalas. Recent DNA analysis of scats found in the area has confirmed that this population is a rare and genetically intact subspecies, making it the only remaining group of koalas in Victoria and South Australia with a pure gene pool.
Unlike other koala populations in the region, which have suffered from genetic bottlenecks due to translocation, the Strzelecki Koalas
offer a genetic diversity that may be necessary for the species’ survival in Australia as koala populations in Queensland and New South Wales continue to be impacted.
Recognising the impact of urban development on native wildlife, The Cape community and The Cape development team, in collaboration with local ecologists and Parks Victoria, initiated Project KOALA to combat habitat loss.
The project employs the Miyawaki method of dense, layered planting to create vibrant mini forests of indigenous plant species, including the critical Coastal Manna Gum, koalas’ preferred food source.
These new areas will help link existing coastal bushland with newly revegetated corridors and wetlands, creating a
continuous habitat that supports a diverse range of native fauna.
Brendan Condon, Director of The Cape, says, “We were fortunate to collect seeds from a beautiful Manna Gum right here on the estate and with the assistance of the team at The Cape Community
Farm use them to grow trees that will strengthen our local ecosystem.”
Since its launch, phase one of the project has been deemed a success with the local koala population being spotted in the newly enriched areas.
Thus, instigating the launch of phase two in April 2024 where more than 60 community members, including many enthusiastic children, planted over 500 indigenous plants in five new mini-forest plots.
Brendan says, “It’s important to give back to our environment and protect our natural inhabitants. We were thrilled to see the overwhelming community involvement in Project KOALA, planting over 1000 indigenous trees, shrubs and ground covers. The enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved, including children, embodies the spirit of conservation and community and something we are proud to be a part of.”
The Cape community remains committed to environmental conservation, to expanding this vital habitat and ensuring the preservation, and flourishing of local wildlife.
For updates follow livatthecape on Facebook or The Cape’s local resident naturalist, David Hartney at capechatter.com
