Study

Response of koalas (Phacolarctos cinereus) to re-intoduction to the wild after rehabilitation

  • Published source details Ellis W.A.H., White N.A., Kunst N.D. & Carrick F.N. (1990) Response of koalas (Phacolarctos cinereus) to re-intoduction to the wild after rehabilitation. Australian Wildlife Research, 17, 421-426.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Rehabilitate injured, sick or weak mammals

Action Link
Terrestrial Mammal Conservation
  1. Rehabilitate injured, sick or weak mammals

    A study in 1988–1989 in a woodland site in Queensland, Australia (Ellis et al. 1990) found that four injured and rehabilitated koalas Phascolarctos cinereus each survived for between at least 20 days and four months after release. Two males moved 2.8 and 3.5 km and left the study area within one month. One settled 6 km from the release site (duration not stated). The other could not be relocated after last being recorded 1.4 km from the release site. Two females moved 0.9 and 1.3 km in 30 days. One female was recaptured after two months (suffering from disease). The other was recaptured after four months (due to collar-induced injuries). Four koalas, rehabilitated after minor road accident injuries, were released in September–November 1988 at adjacent localities (precise spacing not stated). Koalas were monitored daily by radio-tacking for 30 days after release, then twice weekly.

    (Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust