At a recent National Conservation Council gathering, one alarming statistic stood out for us.
For every one-degree rise in temperature due to climate change, Australia’s fauna must either move 125 kilometres south or climb 100 metres higher to remain within their climatic comfort zone. In other words, wildlife is permanently displaced from its habitat.
For species already facing the challenges of urban expansion, this issue is an immediate threat. And it is one of the clearest reasons why the Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary is positioned at a critical point in Australia’s wildlife conservation strategy.
Climate Change Is Redrawing the Map for Australian Native Animals
As temperatures rise, ecosystems feel the effects. Vegetation changes, water availability fluctuates, and food sources alter. For many Australian native animals, survival depends on very specific habitat conditions.
Koalas, for example, need:
- Connected eucalypt forests
- Stable leaf moisture and nutrient content
- Low exposure to disease
- Landscape continuity to support breeding
When temperatures increase, habitat zones move as well. But wildlife cannot simply pack up and relocate like we humans can. Animals must travel through fragmented landscapes, including roads and farmland, into unfamiliar territory. Many do not survive the journey.
The Southern Highlands: A Natural Climate Refuge
The Southern Highlands of New South Wales are in a unique ecological position. As outlined in the Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary Strategic Plan 2026, the region combines:
- Cool-climate eucalypt forests
- Wet and dry sclerophyll forests
- Temperate and remnant rainforests
- Intact riparian corridors
- Strong landscape connectivity
Importantly, it also sits at a higher elevation than many coastal and western habitats. As species are forced to migrate in response to warming temperatures, the Highlands becomes part of a viable pathway.
For koala conservation, the region provides a combination of habitat quality and strong community stewardship that is increasingly rare.
Conservation Strategy in Practice
The Spring Hill site near Bundanoon, which we have temporarily secured and is central to our strategic plan, has been identified as an ideal sanctuary and research location.
The flagship initiative at Spring Hill is our koala pilot translocation program. The program will:
- Select genetically suitable koalas
- Undertake health and disease screening
- Use enclosure-to-release models
- Monitor their survival, reproduction and adaptation post-release
By establishing stable populations in the Southern Highlands, the Sanctuary is protecting individual animals while supporting long-term species resilience.
This is wildlife conservation designed for a changing climate.
More Than Koalas: A Whole-of-Ecosystem Approach
Climate stress affects many species. Wombats, gliders, and other forest-dependent marsupials all rely on habitat continuity.
Spring Hill’s research partnerships with Flinders University and the University of Wollongong ensure that wildlife rehabilitation, disease
management (including research on sarcoptic mange), and species monitoring are based on peer-reviewed science.
Supporting climate resilience for native species requires data and evidence-based intervention. And it requires local wildlife sanctuary infrastructure that can respond quickly when environmental challenges intensify.
Why Local Wildlife Sanctuaries Matter in a Global Climate Crisis
The climate statistics are national, but the response must be local. Wildlife sanctuaries are no longer just places of refuge and native animal rescue. They are also:
- Research hubs
- Rehabilitation centres
- Education providers
- Biodiversity anchors
The Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary integrates all four missions.
Through our education programs, we are also investing in the next generation of environmental stewards. We understand long-term wildlife protection depends on informed communities as much as it does on preserving habitats.
The Urgency Is Real
The Spring Hill site currently operates under a temporary lease arrangement. To secure it permanently and fully realise its conservation potential, $3.5 million in funding is required.
Without secure land tenure, climate adaptation strategies become fragile.
With land secured, the Southern Highlands can function as:
- A long-term koala sanctuary
- A research-backed wildlife rehabilitation centre
- A climate-resilient biodiversity corridor
- A national model for conservation of wildlife
The climate is shifting, and wildlife is already moving.
The question is whether we create safe destinations for them to arrive. The Southern Highlands represents one of those destinations by design. And in the face of a warming climate, that design may prove critical to saving Australia’s native animals from extinction.
Help Us Grow. Watch Us Thrive.
Our work is only possible because our community stands with us. By joining as a member or making a donation, you help fund education programs, rescue equipment, infrastructure, and the day-to-day support that makes sustainable wildlife care possible.
If you are interested in volunteering, partnering with us, or supporting this work through philanthropy or corporate sponsorship, we would love to hear from you.
Together, we can build a future where wildlife and the people who care for them can thrive.
