THE Conservation Regulator is continuing its investigation and has provided an update on deaths of several koalas at a blue gum plantation near Hamilton last month.

Initial results of 13 koala bodies found on June 14 have not provided a conclusive cause, with X-rays taken before a necropsy on the deceased animals, which ruled out trauma, including fractures and broken bones, and showed no evidence of gun shots.

Three more dead koalas at varying stages of decomposition were found in an unharvested area of the site recently and are believed to have died between two weeks and twelve months ago.

The Conservation Regulator said a range of possible causes of death included environmental or human factors.

The absence of physical trauma, together with pathology results, suggested the deaths could be the result of environmental factors.

The maximum penalty for the destruction of protected wildlife is $9246 and/or six months in prison.

Conservation Regulator regulatory operations director, Ash Bunce, said all avenues of inquiry were being pursued to determine what happened to the koalas.

 “If anyone knows anything about these koala deaths, they can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” he said.

Anyone with information about this incident or other wildlife crimes can make a confidential report.