Megafires and koala occurrence: a comparative analysis of field data and satellite imagery.

Megafires can have a devastating effect on koala populations. With climate change increasing habitat vulnerability to wildfires, understanding how to efficiently measure the impact of these events on koalas is essential. We analysed the relationship between the 2019-2020 megafires and the probability of koala occurrence in Mid North Coast NSW. We found that two on-field and one satellite-derived variables measuring fire severity equally explained koala occurrence. The probability of koala occurrence decreased with increasing fire severity. This supports the use of remote sensing imagery to efficiently monitor the impact of future fire events on koala populations in the region. In the current context of climate change, megafires pose a severe threat to koala populations. Accurately assessing the impact of fire on a large scale is essential to provide an effective response to aid koala conservation. We found that satellite images were as effective as on-the-ground data in predicting post-fire koala occurrence in Mid North Coast NSW. Our results support the use of satellite-derived variables to efficiently monitor the fire impact on koala populations in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]