First Koala sightings 2015
By: Michael Fox
2015 is off to a good start with six sightings of Koalas reported already, and, importantly, the sightings have been right around the Reserve.
Koala – Griffith Uni Mt Gravatt Campus Photo: Michael McGeever
The latest sighting was on Sunday while we were doing a guided walk for our Griffith Mates visitors. Pieter Demmers spotted the Koala high in a tree beside Acacia Way. Seeing this Koala in the bush was particularly special for our visitors from Germany, France and China.
Michael McGeever spotted another Koala, probably a male, just at the entry to the Mt Gravatt Campus
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Young Koala Fox Gully
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Then we were woken about 4am last week. A young Koala seemed to be calling its mother with the short squeal – almost a ‘yip’, they use to communicate. I was able to get a photo when is climbed an Acacia near the house.
In 2014 at least two Joeys (baby Koalas) were born in Mt Gravatt Conservation Reserve. In 2015 we want to do more tracking of Koalas with the aim of identifying and tracking individuals to help us understand their movement patterns and how to reduce the number killed on the South-east Freeway.
So if you see a Koala, please take a photo – phone camera is ok, note the location and any comments eg. mother with joey or walking along the road.
Sightings can be reported to Koala Tracker and/or emailed to megoutlook@gmail.com.
Mount Gravatt Environment Group 
April 2, 2015 at 12:39 pm
I was wondering why there is no animal crossing installed above the highway to link both forests together. In far north qld I noticed several above the highway. Surely koalas and other native animals are a plus to have in what is left of the forest. Is there any plans to petition or fundraise for a solution.
April 4, 2015 at 3:29 pm
A good question Lucia.
There is an cycle path under the motorway connecting Toohey Forest and Griffith Uni Mt Gravatt Campus. I understand this has been used by wildlife at times however my long term vision is a stronger link between the two habitats as well as linking across Klumpp Road to Roly Chapman Bushland Reserve.
I have discussed the issue of Koalas being killed crossing the motorway with Griffith Uni researchers – a complex issue.
At this time our next step is getting more research data on Koala movements in the local area.
Michael Fox
April 5, 2015 at 7:13 pm
Hi but is it the State or Brisbane City Council who is responsible for the freeway? I don’t see anything complex about it. Very straight forward. Shouldn’t there be a discussion to see if an above solution can be built like the far north and I also read that NSW has put one over a highway which also seems to work. Do the Koala’s actually get on the ground and walk through the tunnel? Wouldn’t that be dangerous to be walking on the ground..given the wild cats and dogs in the area? We had a Koala stuck in a tree near our house 3 years ago and it couldn’t move because the dogs were barking at it. Anyway research is one thing but I have never heard of any research group from GU making a point or calling for a better solution for wildlife crossing over the freeway between mt gravatt and nathan. It’s just a shame that GU could help to start a discussion with relevant government body to find a solution. What a lovely and rare sighting when you walk through the forest at mt gravatt and Nathan. Just think Griffith Uni could do more to help especially when they are smack bang in the middle of the forest.