Integrating research and conservation land management – a case study from Koala research in St Bees Island National Park

Abstract

Our 11 year multidisciplinary study of Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in St Bees Island National Park provides an understanding of the implications of the strategic use of fire and control of introduced browsers, goat and swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) for the maintenance of Koalas, Koala habitat and eucalypt woodlands within the national park. The research involved a close association with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and their staff. This relationship integrated research, park planning and management. The project is a model for researchmanagement integration, especially in relation to information relevance, relationships and understandable, timely communication of research findings. We propose strategies for more general application of this model.

Keywords:

• research-management integration
• Koala
• Phascolarctos cinereus
• protected area management
• fire Management