Concerns for Port Macquarie wildlife as summer temperatures climb

Koalas, the town's famous furry mascot, are some of the local animals taking a battering from the heat and may take to ground in search of water, according to Port Macquarie Koala Hospital clinical director Cheyne Flanagan.

"Koalas are traditionally very reliant on the moisture levels of water in eucalyptus leaves, where the majority of their water is sourced from," she said.

"In hot dry conditions the level of moisture in the leaves drops dramatically and then they struggle for water. They have to come to ground to get water.

"There is no water on the ground and there's koalas dying by the thousands out west. Unfortunately they die of dehydration and renal failure.

"Conditions are just so dry because we have had such a lack of rain for such a long time - it’s been a long hot dry summer. There’s no leaf moisture in the trees at the moment.

"With all wildlife once you get to about 36 degrees that’s their preferred temperature, after that they really struggle - animals just don't cope."

Ms Flanagan said the hospital is averaging one koala rescue a day, but residents could help local wildlife by putting out water bowls with large rocks in them or wedging a water bowl in the fork of a tree.

“If we come across any koala that has heat stress, we bring them in here and re-hydrate them... give them a few days of rest and relaxation, then unfortunately we have to send them back,” she said.

“It’s a good idea to put water bowls out for lizards and small mammals but have them where they aren’t accessible to cats and dogs. If you can put a water bowl and put a rock in it (to prevent drowning).”

Household pets are not immune, with owners advised to not leave your pets in the car, make sure pets have a good supply of water and shade.

Billabong Wildlife and Koala Park owner, manager Mark Stone said his animals were given continuous monitoring for heat stress with supplies of water, shaded and insulated dens, ice blocks with treats in them and sprinklers.

"Keepers are checking everyone is cool and or warm, making sure animals are healthy, happy on any given day - anything above mid 30 degrees we are monitoring," he said.

"We have frozen treats, which we call 'blood-icles' made of frozen blood from meat that is prepared... many animals also enjoy water, so we have sprinklers.

"Animals have night dens, double lined with insulation."

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