A review of the 'noose and flag' method to capture free-ranging koalas

Abstract

The capture of free-ranging individuals is often needed for research, population management and health assessment. Because of its iconic and threatened species status, methods to capture koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) receive disproportionate scrutiny. We collated data on koala capture frequency, duration held by noose and incidents from six studies of koalas in Victoria and New South Wales that all used the ‘noose and flag’ method as the primary method of capture. Adverse events occurred in less than 1% of all captures (7 of 1236). Mean capture time in three of four locations recording duration held by noose was less than five minutes, minimising the duration of distress to the koala while allowing researchers to maintain control over the animal. The exception to this was a study in far south-west Victoria where trees were tall and koalas were relatively unresponsive to flagging, resulting in a longer mean duration held by noose (11.2 minutes). The reviewed capture data of the ‘noose and flag’ method suggest that this is an effective and safe capture method, allowing for capture of multiple individuals in a short period, and suitable for most habitat types and situations.