A koala colony and its habitat in an under-researched part of central-western New South Wales are far stronger than previously thought, scientists say.

Not-for-profit organisation Science for Wildlife has published habitat distribution maps on the endangered species in the Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC) area.

The executive director of the organisation, Kellie Leigh, said researchers found far greater koala habitat in the area "than had previously been mapped there".

"There seems to be quite a widely dispersed population in that region," she said.

" It is potentially another big colony around the world heritage area, which is very exciting. "

Improved habitat mapping

According to the New South Wales government's Koala Strategy plan, which was released in 2024, the MWRC was not

See Full Page