Ripper Corp, Australia’s leading wildlife survey drone company and the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital conducted a successful demonstration last night in preparation for The Great Magnetic Island Koala Count program.
This is a pioneering initiative for aimed at counting, monitoring, tracking, and protecting the Koala population on Magnetic Island. This successful trial marked a significant milestone in the project and has laid the groundwork for a larger, island-wide survey that promises to be a game-changer in Koala conservation.
The live demonstration, held at the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital and proudly sponsored by SeaLink, showcased the cutting-edge thermal imaging drones that will be used to conduct the most comprehensive Koala survey ever attempted on the island. Attendees, included conservationists, local authorities, and community members, were impressed by the precision and capability of Ripper Corp’s drone technology, which provides accurate data on Koala numbers and their distribution across the island.
Koalas were listed as endangered in Queensland in 2022.
A Successful Demonstration - Ripper Corp
"The impact of Ripper Corporation’s drone technology on conservation efforts is profound. By using drones, we’re not only improving the accuracy of our wildlife surveys but also making a significant contribution to the protection of endangered species and their habitats," said Jamie Holyoak, Chief Pilot at Ripper Corp. “The technology is quick efficient and scientifically based, and does not impact on the animals. We use sophisticated infrared sensors carried on our big Ripper drones, to locate and count the animals, he said. We fly at night in cooler months, so our sensors can quickly and accurately find the animals.”
We have worked in this area of wildlife for over 8 years now, surveying species from Koalas, Greater Gliders, Kangaroos, Wallabies and Powerful Owls to mention a few, he said.
The Ripper Corp Drone trial’s success has generated significant interest and excitement, from community and government.
Every Koala Counts - Magnetic Island Koala Hospital
The Great Magnetic Island Koala Count aims to conduct the first comprehensive Koala census on Magnetic Island using drones and to set the official count straight. The last official count, conducted over ten years ago using traditional methods of ground survey, estimated a population of 600-800 Koalas.
Dr Ali Bee from Magnetic Island Koala Hospital, believes this number is much larger, and by leveraging cutting-edge drone technology and local expertise, this project will provide an accurate and up-to-date assessment of the Koala population, she said.
“I believe the Koala Count will not only educate locals and tourists through up-to-date data but also lead to better protections for this endangered species. Koalas play a huge role in eco tourism, as it is estimated that 72% of international visitor to Australia look to have a Koala encounter.”
In addition to the Koala survey, the project hopes to encompass several important initiatives designed to benefit the community and ensure long-term conservation:“
"On top of the whole-island count, we also see a lot of potential in using Ripper Corp's drone technology to track koala's that have been released from our hospital to ensure they are safely rehabilitating... We think this project will engage and educate the community not only in our koala numbers but also in how to protect and respect them"
Supporting the Future of Koala’s on Magnetic Island
Darren Spearman, General Manager of SeaLink - “SeaLink is proud to support this initial trial of The Great Magnetic Island Koala Count. SeaLink are committed to preserving the island's natural beauty and wildlife.
As the leading eco-certified ferry service, we've partnered with the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital for over 10 years, providing fundraising support and supplying free transport for injured koalas.
This Ripper drone initiative is a significant step in our support of conservation efforts, and we're excited to help protect the island's koala population for future generations.”
Ripper Corp and the Magnetic Island Koala Hospital are now seeking to expand their partnerships, secure additional funding, and attract stakeholders to support the full-scale implementation of the Great Magnetic Island Koala Count in 2025.
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