A previously unknown population of koalas has been discovered in remote bushland, captured for the first time using thermal drones. This remarkable find offers a boost for the conservation of the iconic species, which has been listed as endangered in New South Wales since 2022.
Although koalas have been living in parts of the NSW Snowy Mountains, including Numeralla, Dangelong and Peak View, for some time, the recent findings suggest their presence is more widespread than previously recorded.
In Avonside, east of Jindabyne, thermal drone surveys have revealed a small but significant koala population. The first detection in July 2024 recorded two individuals, but by July 2025, monitoring uncovered an additional eight, NSW Local Land Services announced this week.
Covering five 56-hectare zones, the survey provides a clearer picture of the species’ distribution in the region. Speaking to Yahoo News, Local Land Services officer Kirrily Gould explained what makes the discovery so exciting.
“It’s significant because it gives us a population of koalas that are isolated — a range extension separated from the existing koala population in the area,” she told Yahoo News Australia.
Kirrily said she’s hopeful the population is disease-free, which would make it a “vitally important part of the koala puzzle”. To determine this, scat has been sent for analysis, with results pending.
A disease-free result could make this isolated group an important safeguard for koalas in the region, as they would remain insulated from infections affecting other populations.
“We’ve only surveyed a little snapshot of this area, so hopefully these eight koalas mean that there are more of them across this Avonside region,” Kirrily said.
“Hopefully there are more populations that may be disease-free and, because of its isolated nature from others, [the region] could be a good refuge population for the future.”
The population’s survival in the region had been uncertain following a major bushfire in 2003, with few confirmed sightings in the years since. Kirrily said some landowners had even been unaware that their properties hosted koalas, highlighting how elusive the animals have become.
The recent discovery points to a slow but encouraging recovery in the area.
Avonside’s steep, secluded terrain offers ideal conditions for koalas but presents challenges for researchers and landholders attempting to locate them. Authorities believe there may be more koalas hidden within the area and plan to continue monitoring the population.
This year’s drone surveys identified eight koalas in Avonside, up from two last year. Source: NSW LLS
Landowners, locals can help
The discovery also highlights the important role private landholders play in the rugged landscape when it comes to providing habitat for koalas. Kirrily said there’s a large feral deer population in the area, and managing their numbers is crucial to protect native vegetation.
The deer often damage young trees and saplings, preventing new growth from coming through.
She said if landholders can help reduce deer numbers, it would make a big difference. Another major concern, she added, is fire — because the trees have a low, short canopy, there’s nowhere for koalas to escape if a bushfire sweeps through, making wildfire prevention essential.
Landholders are being encouraged to maintain koala habitats by managing weeds and pests, carrying out bushfire prevention measures, and participating in the “Koala Karaoke” audio monitoring survey.
This survey involves leaving recording devices in the bush for two weeks to capture koala calls, helping to map the full extent of their presence.
How does chlamydia affect koalas?
Chlamydia is a serious bacterial infection that affects koalas in multiple ways. It primarily targets the urinary and reproductive tracts, causing painful bladder and urinary infections. In females, it can lead to infertility by damaging the reproductive organs.
Eye infections are also common, often resulting in conjunctivitis and, in severe cases, blindness. The disease is highly detrimental to koala populations because it reduces reproductive success and increases mortality. Stress, habitat loss, and poor nutrition can worsen the severity of infection, making chlamydia a significant threat to the species’ survival.
The disease has been present in koala populations for a long time, but it’s believed to have been exacerbated by factors like habitat loss, which forces koalas into closer contact, and stress from environmental pressures, weakening their immune systems.
Love Australia’s weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week’s best stories.
