Australia’s national science agency has issued a call to action for citizens to record koala sightings, aiming to calculate the most accurate national population count of the beloved marsupial.
On Thursday, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) encouraged Australians across the country to actively participate in koala conservation efforts. By recording sightings on the newly launched Koala Spotter smartphone app, citizens can contribute valuable data to help protect the species.
“Every koala sighting you record brings us one step closer to understanding and safeguarding this iconic creature,” a CSIRO spokesperson said.
The koala, a symbol of Australia’s unique wildlife, has faced significant challenges due to habitat loss, climate change, and recent bushfires. Accurate population data is crucial for implementing effective conservation strategies.
The Koala Spotter app is user-friendly, allowing individuals to log sightings along with photos and location details. The collected data will enable scientists to map koala populations and monitor their health and numbers over time.
Citizens are urged to download the app and become part of a nationwide effort to ensure the koala’s survival for future generations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
