In a collaborative push to restore and protect local koala habitats, Moonlit Sanctuary and The Western Port Biosphere have joined forces to improve vegetation corridors across the region. This initiative aims to counter the effects of development and land clearing that have left some koala populations isolated, leading to inbreeding and diminished biodiversity in certain areas.

Michael Johnson, Director of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, highlighted the importance of this project. 

“There’s certainly koalas out there, and while they’re still there and into the future, we want to make sure that they stay there,” Johnson said. 

“Koalas do move around a lot, and it’s important that they have the opportunity to do that. We have some populations that are quite genetically diverse, and others that are fairly inbred, but even just bringing together the inbred populations helps.”

By establishing these new vegetation corridors, Moonlit Sanctuary and The Western Port Biosphere hope to give koalas the room they need to roam, thrive, and increase genetic diversity, essential for the long-term survival of the species in Western Port. 

This story was originally reported by RPP FM and repurposed by STPL News with permission.

Subscribe to STPL News

For more stories on local events and the vibrant communities around Mornington Peninsula, stay tuned to the Somerville Times & Peninsula Local – STPL NEWS by subscribing to our free E-News