Trap is made of corflute panels and gaffer tape - I can add or remove panels as needed for each situation. Camouflage painted on inside so the trap walls don't look so obvious. Opening has the cage in it and is the only way 'out' once koala comes to the ground. Plate at end of trap is pressed down by weight of the koala and the internal doors close as the plate releases them.
Cover the trap so it they don't feel exposed sitting in there.
Once in the trap I add a towel underneath the koala and a big bouquet of leaf, and it's off to the hospital.
Oh, Valentine. Good for you for getting in the trap and letting yourself be taken to the clinic. And @koalagardens - three HUGE cheers for you for getting this new koala out of the tree and into care! I hope Valentine's eye is better very soon!
@ludwigsdiana it doesn't usually happen so easily as this one where he came down only about 5 hours after the trap went up. sometimes they sit in the tree for a couple of days, and you have to weigh up if they are stressed and you need to remove the trap.
sometimes they do a flying leap from the tree out over the walls, if they feel they can reach another tree and escape.
I have had about 85% success rate with the traps, but then they can't be used in dense areas where trees are touching, or you have to set a huge one around 2 or 3 trees. So it's more complex, but this simple one did the trick hooray!
sometimes they do a flying leap from the tree out over the walls, if they feel they can reach another tree and escape.
I have had about 85% success rate with the traps, but then they can't be used in dense areas where trees are touching, or you have to set a huge one around 2 or 3 trees. So it's more complex, but this simple one did the trick hooray!
Ian