Maintain and Extend Ecosystems and Biodiversity

In 2025, University of Newcastle researchers and conservation teams worked directly to protect threatened species, strengthen wildlife populations and restore habitat. This work ranged from endangered frog recovery and koala conservation in New South Wales to the ongoing management and restoration of native bushland and wetland ecosystems.

Key examples for 2025 ecosystem and biodiversity conservation include:

Protecting the endangered Littlejohn's tree frog

In 2025, University conservation scientists achieved the first successful captive breeding of the endangered Littlejohn's tree frog. The work forms part of an integrated conservation program combining habitat creation, captive breeding, head-starting, genetic rescue and long-term population monitoring.

Working with NSW Forestry Corporation and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the team has created more than 40 breeding ponds in the Watagans to reconnect previously isolated frog populations. Genetic analysis shows these habitat corridors have improved gene flow and strengthened genetic diversity. The team also rears eggs to froglet stage before release and uses reproductive technologies, including IVF and sperm cryopreservation, to help restore lost genetic diversity.

Read more about the Littlejohn's tree frog conservation program

Littlejohn's tree frog pictured against black background

Littlejohn's tree frog. Credit: Krishna Komanduri

scenic shot with trees and a pond. Conservation scientists are crouching down examining the pond water

Mapping and protecting koala populations

A University-led study published in June 2025 produced the largest and most accurate peer-reviewed koala survey of its kind, estimating 4,357 koalas across 67,300 hectares of bushland at 208 sites in New South Wales. The research identified an estimated population of more than 290 koalas in Sugarloaf State Conservation Area on Newcastle's fringe.

By combining thermal-drone surveys, spotlight verification and statistical modelling, the project provides land managers with more accurate information about where koalas occur and which habitats need protection and monitoring. This is particularly important for peri-urban and fire-affected bushland, where habitat loss and disturbance can place threatened populations at greater risk.

Read more about the 2025 koala survey

An aerial shot of green tree tops with a koala and its joey nestled in the trees

A baby koala clings to its mother, nestled in the treetops at Sugarloaf State Conservation Area. Credit: Daryn McKenny

map of New South Wales with green, yellow, and orange markings in seven of the national parks to indicate predicted koala abundance

Map of predicted koala abundance across the seven NSW national parks surveyed.

Restoring and managing native campus ecosystems

The University also actively manages remnant bushland, forest and wetland areas across its campuses to restore degraded habitat and maintain ecological connectivity. At Callaghan, around 25 hectares are dedicated ecological conservation zones and freshwater wetland areas. The University manages the wetlands and connected waterways of Callaghan Campus through the Callaghan Landscape Management Implementation Plan (CLMIP).

Management includes rehabilitating vegetation, controlling invasive weeds, protecting soil and hydrology, and supporting habitat for native plants and animals. Callaghan's natural areas support around 188 native flora species, 116 bird species, 14 native mammal species, 11 frog species and 18 reptile species, as well as threatened and migratory species including the Powerful Owl and Grey-headed Flying-fox.

These projects combine species conservation, habitat restoration, ecological monitoring and long-term land management to help maintain and strengthen biodiversity in threatened and recovering ecosystems.