On black even better. You can clearly see the distinct pattern where there is no pigmentation around and inside Ryder's nostrils. This is how I identify the koalas.
The ones I know well are easy, but this fell had only ever been seen here 4 times before, and that was back in August. So when he was suddenly here again I had to go back and compare this photo to my file of nose patterns and got a match!
Thank you for the lovely comments of concern and support during this awful time of fires and drought. The property is still safe, but the situation is still dire.
@shepherdman most of them do - occasionally you get one with nearly complete pigment cover, but they are quite rare so that in itself makes an identifier :)
@mave I sure do - I go on the quad bike every day and search the property and photograph and record data about the koala population here, including identifying each animal. I will have 5 full years of data at the end of this month. :)
So sorry to hear while gone on our trip the situation with the fires hasn't changed much. As for your koala, Ryder's nose pattern is quite unique - heart shaped. must be nice to see him again.
He is a cute one! It's perfect his pattern looks like a heart to me because he certainly has a gentle look about him. It must be interesting speculating where they go off to and why they come back (although mating might have a part in that?). Great shot.
Nice to know Ryder is safe, have you got contingency plans for you and the koalas if the fires gets too near? I do hope you get rain soon, we have too much here would love to give it to you.
@oldjosh thanks Margaret. I'm afraid there is no contingency that can be made - around 2 million hectares have now burned. For myself - I have all my most precious things packed and ready to walk out if an evacuation were to be called.
We do have a contingency for the koalas in care and how we could get them packed and out if a fire threatens the care centre. sadly you can't do anything for the wild animals. it's a hard time
it's so impressive that you have 5 years of data for identification. Being able to identify Ryder after not having seen him for that length of time shows how useful your data is - a wonderful resource.
@robz I had one come through last month that I hadn't seen for over 3 years. she had been hit by a car, minor internal injuries and had a joey in pouch. once clear we released her on the property here - so to identify her 3 years later and see her apparently doing well was a thrill :)
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We do have a contingency for the koalas in care and how we could get them packed and out if a fire threatens the care centre. sadly you can't do anything for the wild animals. it's a hard time
The more I look at your shots, the more I realise how little l know about so much. TYF sharing your hopes and triumphs.
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glad your property is still safe from fires. Hope you receive much needed rain soon