COFFS Harbour residents are being encouraged to enrol as volunteers in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) so they can take part in nighttime koala surveys in Bongil Bongil National Park.

This long-running and popular citizen science program will begin near Repton at 6:30pm on Sunday, 22 September, and run every fourth night until 8 October.

This year will mark the twelfth annual survey for koalas in Bongil Bongil, which is one of the state’s koala strongholds.

The program monitors the numbers and health of the koalas from year to year, with the data of high value to scientists, ecologists and park planners.

Since its inception, the program has also provided hundreds of locals with the thrill of spotting a koala in the wild.

Many other native animals are encountered during the nighttime exercise.

Surveys are conducted just after sunset in the middle of the koala breeding season, which is when koalas are on the move, most vocal, and most likely to be seen.

For two hours, volunteers in small teams will move along the park’s trails using NPWS survey gear, such as spotlights and audio equipment.

They will be supervised and managed by an experienced wildlife ranger.

A short information and training session for prospective new volunteers is mandatory and will be conducted at the Coffs Harbour Jetty NPWS offices at 6pm on Monday, 16 September.

“Community volunteers will be trained and equipped to conduct night-time surveys recording the presence of koalas and any other wildlife they might encounter,” NPWS Ranger Martin Smith said.

“We are aiming to monitor for any change that may be occurring in the park’s koala population and make observations on their health and tree selection preferences.”

Mr Smith said the wildlife survey program is engaging and fun, with a hard science edge that most participants thoroughly enjoy.

“Walking through the forest at night with a powerful spotlight can reveal a range of native animals not normally seen during the day.

“In previous years, the teams have discovered a regionally significant population of the rare Yellow-bellied Glider.”

For more information contact npws.coffscoast@environment.nsw.gov.au or call 66520900.

By Andrew VIVIAN