STUDENTS at Birkdale State School were visited by a four-legged scientist this week, as part of their STEM science project.
Baxter the koala detection dog was accompanied by his colleague PhD student Katrin Hohwieler, who helped the students understand adaptations koalas have made in order to survive in their environment.
The Year 5 students have been learning about animal adaptations in science this term, discovering how organisms adjust to their environment in order to ensure their survival.
Baxter and Ms Hohwieler work with the Detection Dogs for Conservation group, who are conducting surveys to assess the koala populations in conjunction with Redlands City Council.
Baxter, who is a rescue dog, demonstrated to the students how he can detect koala poo or ‘scat’.
These samples are collected so that the koala DNA can be extracted and researchers can identify their genetic history and assess their health and well-being.
Students also learnt about the threats that koala’s face and how human actions have significantly reduced koala populations in South East Queensland.
“Did you know that koalas are vulnerable in South East Queensland?” wrote year 5 student Natalie
“That is why Katrin is here in the Redlands. She wants to help koalas, so that they do not become endangered.”
