Koala prescription mapping

Our role
Our role
Koala mapping
Koala mapping
Threatened species
Threatened species
Reporting
Reporting

Independent evaluation of Private Native Forestry Koala Prescription Map

We asked Professor Jane Elith to evaluate the existing PNF Koala Prescription Maps using readily available data. Professor Elith found that although sensible relationships between the PNF Koala Prescription Maps and independent data exist, these are not as strong as expected and do not explain much of the variation. This warrants revisiting the way in which the underlying koala habitat suitability modelling and maps were developed.

Professor Elith’s technical report (see above) describes the analysis and findings. The datasets and code used in the evaluation are available in Attachment 1 to the report (see above). The cover note (see above) provides background and a plain English summary of the evaluation approach and findings.

What we are doing to update the models and maps

As part of our advice on finalising the PNF codes, we worked with scientists at the then Department of Planning and Environment and the Department of Primary Industries’ Forest Science Unit to develop an interim PNF koala prescription map for each region. Where the maps show high koala habitat suitability, PNF operations are required to retain koala feed trees amongst other rules. Our advice recommended the maps be adopted as interim and, following release of the codes, the interim maps and underlying models be verified and improved.

The NSW Forest Monitoring Steering Committee, independently chaired by us, is now overseeing the validation and improvement of the maps. This involves independently reviewing the PNF koala prescription maps and the modelling that underpins them.

We have appointed independent experts to inform this work:

  • Professor (Honorary) Jane Elith - University of Melbourne
  • Dr Natalie Briscoe - University of Melbourne - Research Fellow, Distribution Models, School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences
  • Dr Alistair Melzer – Central Queensland University – Adjunct Research Fellow

We are working closely with the experts, along with scientists and modellers from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to undertake this work. The experts provide advice on koala habitat, habitat modelling and evaluation of models and maps. A cross-agency technical review team also inputs to the process, and other independent experts are consulted as required on matters relating to koala feed trees and distribution.

Changes to the maps require the joint approval of the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for the Environment.

To guide this work, the Forest Monitoring Steering Committee endorsed guidance (see above) for identifying high value koala habitat for private native forestry purposes.

Local Land Services has now developed a survey protocol that will be used in cases where a landholder requests a review of the PNF koala prescription map on their property. The Committee endorsed the protocol in September 2024.