Habitat restoration in Booroolong Nature Reserve is reconnecting koala habitat, with over 3,000 native trees and shrubs planted.
The New England Tablelands historically supported healthy koala populations. However, land clearing has broken up large areas of bushland, leaving habitat fragmented and koala populations isolated.
Under the NSW Koala Strategy, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has been restoring habitat in Booroolong Nature Reserve to reconnect areas of bushland so koalas and other threatened species can move more freely across the landscape.
As part of this project, over 3,300 native trees and shrubs have been planted. Fencing has also been installed to protect young plants from grazing animals and give them the best chance of survival while they establish.
The results so far are encouraging. The plantings currently have a 90-95% survival rate, giving the project a strong start and increasing the likelihood of long-term success.
Reconnecting habitat creates ecological linkages for koalas and other wildlife, supporting healthier and more resilient populations over time. This project is one of 52 restoration projects across 63 national parks and reserves. Altogether, these projects have planted over 150,000 trees and shrubs and cover an area of more than 6,400 hectares.
Habitat restoration projects are also being undertaken beyond national park boundaries. This work will link bushland areas and help wildlife move across the landscape.
Over time, these plantings will grow into connected habitat that supports koalas and other threatened species across the New England Tablelands.
