Carlie’s koala research is shaping future conservation
A CQUniversity graduate whose student research has produced two peer-reviewed journal articles is contributing valuable knowledge for future conservation planning on Woppa (Great Keppel Island).
Now completing a Master's in Environmental Sciences in Germany, Carlie Sommers began investigating potential koala habitat on the island during her Bachelor of Science (Applied Biology) at CQUniversity, before continuing the project through an additional Honours research year.
The research builds on historical records and Woppaburra knowledge indicating koalas were once present on Woppa and explores whether areas identified through habitat mapping contain important koala food trees.
"My first study used existing habitat maps and satellite data to identify areas of Woppa that might provide suitable koala habitat," Carlie Sommers said.
"That gave us a picture of the island from above, but it also raised a pretty obvious question: if we actually went to those places, what would we find?"
That question became the foundation of her Honours project, which saw researchers spend seven days on Woppa, including five days surveying vegetation communities and identifying tree species used by koalas.
The fieldwork revealed preferred koala food trees in areas ranked as both high and low-quality habitat, highlighting the importance of checking habitat maps against conditions on the ground.
"The biggest surprise was probably seeing just how different a map can be from the reality on the ground," she said.
"Spatial data are incredibly convenient, but there is no substitute for actually going out and seeing the landscape for yourself."
The research contributes to a growing body of work exploring the future of koala conservation in Central Queensland, where populations continue to face pressures including habitat loss, fragmentation, climate change, fire, vehicle strikes and dog attacks.
CQUniversity researcher and lecturer Dr Rolf Schlagloth, who co-supervised the project with Dr Michael Hewson, both members of Koala Research - CQ, said the study was particularly important because Central Queensland's koala populations have historically received far less attention than those in South East Queensland.
"Koala research in Central Queensland has been neglected for many decades," he said.
"Despite this, we know significant koala populations exist in the region and they are under pressure from many of the same threats affecting koalas across Australia.
"As an endangered species, it is important that we continue exploring opportunities that could support their long-term survival."
Historical records and Woppaburra knowledge indicate koalas once occurred on Woppa, making the island an important location for further investigation.
"Woppa had koalas at some stage and the potential for it to provide a future refuge for koalas needed to be explored," Rolf Schlagloth said.
A key aspect of the research was recognising Woppaburra perspectives and the importance of Indigenous-led Caring for Country.
For Carlie Sommers, engaging with Traditional Owners was one of the most meaningful parts of the project.
"Woppa is Woppaburra Country, so it was important that our research began from a place of respect for the people who have cared for this Country for thousands of years," she said.
"When we arrived on Woppa, Woppaburra Elder and Traditional Owner Juku-Dai Nerark Morris welcomed us to Country and conducted a smoking ceremony alongside the Woppaburra Rangers.
"It was a huge honour to be welcomed onto Country in that way, and I hope future research continues moving towards work that is genuinely Woppaburra-led or co-designed."
Rolf Schlagloth said Traditional Owner involvement would be critical to future conservation initiatives.
"Indigenous Australians managed to live sustainably with our flora and fauna for tens of thousands of years and we would like to see their approaches applied to koalas and their habitat across Central Queensland," he said.
The researchers stress the study does not advocate for the translocation of koalas to Woppa. Instead, they say it provides important baseline information that can help inform future discussions around conservation, habitat restoration and caring for Country.
The project also highlights the impact students can have through research.
"Academics have limited scope to conduct research, collaborations are one way to move research forward and involvement of students is essential for continuity of our work," Rolf Schlagloth said.
"Carlie Sommers has made the most of her undergraduate and Honours projects by successfully publishing both studies and communicating important scientific knowledge that otherwise would not have been produced."
Reflecting on her journey from undergraduate researcher to published author, Carlie Sommers encouraged other students to embrace new opportunities.
"An undergraduate or Honours project might feel like just another university assignment while you're doing it, but you don't know where it might lead," she said.
"My undergraduate and Honours research ultimately became two peer-reviewed publications and helped shape the direction I want to take my career. I definitely didn't expect that when I first started."
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