Koalas are back in town

UPWEY’S Glenfern Valley Bushlands have become a koala haven.
Koalas are under threat in the wild and haven’t been seen in Upwey for some years, but at least one has recently returned to the reserve.
The marsupials live almost entirely on eucalypt leaves, eating about half a kilogram a day.
“Fortunately Glenfern Valley Bushlands has all the necessary eucalyptus trees to sustain this new arrival,” Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands president David Moncrieff said.
“With manna gum and swamp gum well-represented across the reserve, which just happen to be a favourite snack for these gentle creatures.”
Mr Moncrieff said the koala’s presence was exciting but it was best if it was not disturbed.
He said it was well-known that dog attacks, roadkills and habitat loss were the leading threats to the koala’s survival in urban areas.
“Koalas have not been about for many years so we assume this koala is searching for a new territory or a mate,” he said.
“Volunteers have been restoring this 40-hectare reserve for more than 10 years in an effort to attract such wildlife back to the area.”
Mr Moncrieff said the group had not yet found any evidence of koala breeding, but members would be on the lookout this coming summer.
Visit www.glenfernbushlands.org.au for more information on the Glenfern Valley Bushlands restoration project.