Pademelon Surveys in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Red-legged and red-necked pademelons are among the Sunshine Coast’s most vulnerable native mammals. 

While red-legged pademelons are regularly seen in locations such as Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, there are gaps in our understanding of where they occur across the wider hinterland. 

Surveys on private rural land

To improve our knowledge of pademelon distribution, Council has engaged wildlife ecologist Dr Scott Burnett to undertake targeted surveys during 2026.

Can you help?

Your property may be suitable if it: 

• contains, or connects to, native bushland, rainforest or wet sclerophyll forest
• is located in the Blackall or Conondale Ranges or their foothills.

The survey is low impact and may involve short-term camera monitoring and walking surveys along existing tracks.

By participating, you'll help improve our understanding of pademelon habitat, movement corridors and future conservation needs across the region.

Register your interest 

Register to take part in the survey by emailing [email protected] 

Project background

Recent research completed through Sunshine Coast Council’s Macropod Conservation Plan identified important pademelon habitat across the hinterland, including Maleny, Witta, Peachester, Curramore, Cambroon, Conondale, Kenilworth and the Mary Valley. 

The research also found significant gaps in survey information, particularly on private land. 

Although pademelons are not currently listed as threatened, Council-funded research indicates that habitat loss, fragmentation and climate change may place increasing pressure on local populations in the future. 

Maintaining connections between habitat areas will be important to support healthy populations over the long term. 

Not eligible for a property survey? 

You can still help by reporting pademelon sightings. 

Seen a pademelon? 

Record your sighting through iNaturalist Australia 

Please include a photo and location where possible. Every sighting helps build a better understanding of where pademelons live, feed and move throughout the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. 

Become a pademelon citizen scientist 

Join a seasonal pademelon survey at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and contribute to local conservation efforts. Surveys are conducted along reserve tracks and are suitable for people with an interest in wildlife. 

Further information 

This project builds on Environment Levy-funded research completed through Council’s Macropod Conservation Plan. The research investigated macropod distribution, habitat suitability and long-term conservation planning across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. 

Findings from this work are helping identify priority conservation areas and guide future actions to support macropod populations across the region.