What's new in I Spy Koala?
We have listened to your feedback and made some major improvements and upgrades to I Spy Koala. The new features include:
- better app stability and performance
- easier and more user-friendly interface
- dedicated I Spy Koala project team for customer support
- new data processing approach that uploads your records monthly to the Sharing and Enabling Environmental Data map: Koala Sightings – BioNet
I Spy Koala is available for free on iPhones and Android devices. The app should update automatically for most users. If you're not sure, check your app store and see if you need to update. You can download the app from:
If you need technical assistance, please contact the BioNet team.
You can help by recording koalas in the wild
Recording koala sightings is crucial to help us understand and protect this endangered species. The data you collect with I Spy Koala informs environmental managers, land managers and the community about koala distribution. It also helps us develop long-term conservation strategies to secure healthy koala populations in the wild.
Koala sightings entered into the NSW Government's I Spy Koala app are the fastest way to get koala data to the decision-makers.
If you find an injured, sick or distressed koala, contact a licensed wildlife carer as soon as possible.
If you can't access I Spy Koala, or want to enter a koala record on a desktop computer, you can enter your data manually.
For technical support, please contact the BioNet team.
Why use I Spy Koala over other koala apps?
I Spy Koala links directly to the NSW Government wildlife databases. Many other koala reporting apps do not link directly to the NSW databases, which can cause delays or losses in data availability. By using the NSW I Spy Koala app, you make sure the data is available quickly and where it is needed for koala conservation decisions.
Frequently asked questions
You may need to re-download the app if you have not used I Spy Koala for a long time. You can download the app for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Only record koalas in I Spy Koala when you're certain they are koalas. If you're certain you have seen, heard or found indirect evidence of koalas, such as koala scat or field monitoring cameras, you can enter a koala record into I Spy Koala. Uploading a photo of a koala or koala scat will help us make sure your koala record is accurate.
The NSW Koala Strategy has partnered with local stakeholders across the state. You can help koalas in your local area by participating. You may be able to join one of our Regional Partnerships.
You can use the app without internet service. Make sure you have logged in to the app before you go searching for koalas outside of internet service areas. You can upload any data you enter outside a service area when you reconnect to the internet.
You can read the privacy policy: >I Spy Koala app – Privacy policy
