Identifying
Koalas
How to identify individual wild koalas by their natural nose markings
A novel, non-invasive method of identifying koalas in the wild.
Koalas can be easily and non-intrusively identified by the natural black and white markings inside their nostrils. The nose pattern is stable over their lives, and unique to each individual, and applies to koalas right across their range.
This method has been peer-reviewed and published in full (Open Access) in CSIRO Wildlife Research here: https://www.publish.csiro.au/WR/WR24131
Our study assessed the nose patterns of koalas in two populations the wild in Victoria, and two populations in New South Wales. The 156 Victorian koalas (from the You Yangs and Brisbane Ranges) were wild free-ranging animals photographed from the ground no closer than 10m to the koala. The 86 NSW koalas (from Southern Highlands and Gunnedah) were part of another research project, and were captured, brought to the ground, sedated and microchipped and photographed while in that study. Individual identification of these koalas was assured due to the microchip.
Identification success was 89.7% overall. No significant difference was found between the identifiability of wild koalas in a tree, and research koalas in the hand. Dependent joeys at least 8months old were successfully identified as independent adults 90.3% of times.
Method:
Take a photograph focussed on the koala’s nose, using a quality DSLR camera with good zoom. Photos taken from front on, and slightly below the nose are best. But don’t disturb the koala to get a perfect front-on shot – angled shots are still highly identifiable.
Find the target area: the nostrils and nostril ridges. Markings outside of the target area are usually a result of scarring, so can vary throughout the life of the koala. These markings should be noted, but should not be relied upon for identification.
Compare the nose pattern to known koalas in the area.
Take particular note of features. Features are distinctive areas in the nose pattern, see red circled areas below. There are usually several features on a nose pattern. Not all features will be visible in all photos, but analysis of several features in combination will provide an identification.
Deep shadows under the nostril ridge, or strong light, can hide the nose pattern somewhat. Photograph with several different settings on your camera when light is strong.
The nose is soft tissue and can flare and close. Flaring and closing of the nostrils can appear to change a nose pattern, but in a predictable way. Look closely at the nostril shape in your photograph to determine whether the nostril is flared or closed.
More details here: How to identify Koalas by their nose patterns
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This method was discovered in 1998 and documented by Janine Duffy, President of the Koala Clancy Foundation and founder of Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours. Presentations on the method can be seen here:
Wildlife Tourism Conference, Geelong, Australia 2015: https://www.wildlifetourism.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/JDuffy-KoalaNoses.pdf
Echidna Walkabout Blog 2015: https://echidnawalkabout.wordpress.com/2015/07/14/how-to-identify-koalas-by-their-nose-patterns/
Pathways Conference, Colorado USA, 2014: https://www.traveldailynews.asia/koala-research-shows-how-australia-tourism-is-leading-the-w
National Geographic, USA video 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PpOdgsLl6g
We have more details if you need them, or if you have tips or observations to add please contact president@koalaclancyfoundation.org.au
