The week-long 2024 SA Great Koala Count starts on 16 November, and anyone who spots one of the furry marsupials is encouraged to record the sighting through the CSIRO's Koala Spotter app.
If you see a koala - whether it's on private or public land - record its location in the app, take a photo if possible, and then press 'done' to submit the entry.
The data is then fed into the National Koala Monitoring Program, which is led by the CSIRO and funded by the Australian Government.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service and other state government departments are assisting with the count, which will be used to inform future conservation and management efforts across SA and the rest of the nation.
The SA count is a collaboration between the CSIRO and the Flinders University Koala Conservation Hub.
Dr Andrew Hoskins, National Koala Monitoring Program lead and CSIRO Senior Research Scientist, said koala populations varied hugely and surveying them could be difficult.
"We have existing data in some places, but there is uncertainty about populations across their entire range," Mr Hoskins said.
"We need as many different eyes as possible to help paint the most accurate picture of koala numbers and distribution across the country."
Karen Burke da Silva, Flinders University Professor of Biodiversity and Conservation and Koala Conservation Hub lead, said the survey was a chance for families to participate in koala conservation efforts throughout the state.
"Spotting koalas can be challenging, whether they’re up high in the gum trees or on the ground, so improving our knowledge about their population is crucial," she said.
"By participating and installing the app, everyone can make a significant contribution to the conservation of koala populations across Australia."
The latest national koala population estimate is between 224,000 and 524,000, with the next estimate due in March 2025.
While koala numbers in SA appear healthy, in February 2022 the marsupial was officially listed as endangered across New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.
To take part in the count, download Koala Spotter from the Apple App Store (external site) or the Google Play Store (external site) for Android devices.
