The model was field validated using data collected
at 65 sites across the NSW north coast (this is a statistically significant
sample size).
Firstly, the model was
validated using koala pellet searches and a
new approach involving acoustic recording devices. From this extensive
field work comprising more than a year’s worth of recordings, it was found that
koalas were more likely to occupy areas shown in the maps to be of high habitat
quality.
Secondly, the model was
validated using a site habitat quality index which was based on the size and
diversity of koala browse trees at each site. This validation showed that areas
identified as high quality in the field were also modelled as high quality.
In addition, the model was
validated across the entire study area using over 3000 koala records held in NSW BioNet,
which had not been used in the production of the model. This process showed a
high concentration of koala records in areas the model predicted as high
quality and very few records in areas the model predicted to be poor quality.