# I Spy Koala — Koala Observations in NSW

> Citizen science app for collecting and submitting koala observation data. (iPhone/iPad app by Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/i-spy-koala/id1474755197 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Department of Planning, Industry and Environment](https://appshunter.io/developer/559957680)
- Category: Education
- Price: Free
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 19 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-08-20
- Data updated: 2026-08-14
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/i-spy-koala/id1474755197/reviews.md

## What is I Spy Koala?

I Spy Koala app is for the collection of koala observation and survey data for all koalas. For sick or injured koalas needing immediate care, also contact your local wildlife rehabilitation organisation.

This app was developed in 2019 by the then NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) to improve the flow of koala observation data to NSW planning and decision tools.

All submitted records will be combined with other koala observations and made available in BioNet, the repository for NSW biodiversity data. Records are searchable through BioNet and associated data services, including the SEED data portal where you can conveniently view the data using the interactive Koala Sightings - BioNet map. This data is accessible to researchers, land managers, planners, consultants, government and the public, and assists the implementation of long-term conservation strategies to secure healthy koala populations in the wild.

Please contact bionet@environment.nsw.gov.au for I Spy Koala app support or to provide feedback.

## Key features

- Record koala observations
- Submit survey data
- Contribute to biodiversity databases
- Aid conservation strategies
- View data on interactive maps
- Accessible to researchers and public

## Recent user reviews (8 of 8)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/i-spy-koala/id1474755197/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Registration fail

*2025-11-04*

Spending more than 20 minutes trying to sign up is BS. Still not working.....

### 5/5 — Fantastic!!

*2025-08-30*

This app is super easy to use!! I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to report koala sightings.

### 5/5 — Love the new design

*2025-08-01*

Just updated the app and really like the new design and features

### 1/5 — Server

*2023-12-07*

Server never responds. Hard to login net alone report and upload sightings

### 1/5 — NO LONGER WORKS

*2023-05-25*

This app has stopped working and no longer are results being uploaded to NSW BIO NET

### 2/5 — Very glitchy

*2022-11-11*

App continually freezes to the point you need to turn your phone off and on to reset the app. Very glitchy. Frustrating. Unnecessary fields not suited for community members reporting sightings.  This could be a very useful app, please fix.

### 1/5 — Glitching

*2021-09-28*

For what could be a very useful app, it is very cheap and poorly constructed with constant glitching. It also appears to have been cut and paste from another app with irrelevant data fields

### 5/5 — Great App but needs minor improvements

*2020-01-21*

Love love love the concept behind this app. Just wish it had the ability to upload photos and videos from your camera roll, instead of relying on photos being taken while using the app. I took a photo/video of the koala and then started to complete the form, but it wouldn’t let me upload an existing image & the koala had gone by the time I got up to the photo section of the app.

## Frequently asked questions about I Spy Koala

### What is I Spy Koala used for?

I Spy Koala is used for collecting and submitting koala observation and survey data. This information is then made available in BioNet, the repository for NSW biodiversity data, to assist in long-term conservation strategies for koala populations.

### Is I Spy Koala free to use?

Yes, I Spy Koala is available for free download and use. It does not have any in-app purchases or advertisements.

### What devices support I Spy Koala?

I Spy Koala is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for iOS users.

### How often is I Spy Koala updated?

The latest version of I Spy Koala is 1.2.1, and it was last updated on July 29, 2025. This indicates active development and maintenance.

### What is the age rating for I Spy Koala?

I Spy Koala has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young users and families interested in wildlife observation.

### Where can I get support for I Spy Koala?

For support or feedback regarding the I Spy Koala app, you can contact bionet@environment.nsw.gov.au. This email address is provided by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

### Does I Spy Koala collect data for research?

Yes, all submitted records from I Spy Koala are combined with other koala observations and made available in BioNet. This data is accessible to researchers, land managers, planners, and the public.

### What if I find a sick or injured koala?

If you find a sick or injured koala needing immediate care, you should contact your local wildlife rehabilitation organization. I Spy Koala is for observation data, not emergency response.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 1.2.1 — 2025-07-29

Modernised appearance
Simplified menu
Improved workflow’
New resources
Improved map functionality
Prompts to improve data quality

### 1.2.0 — 2024-09-06

- Updated to function on new devices and operating systems
- Addressed stability issues
- Simplified form
- Password reset function improved
- Performance improvements

### 1.1.6 — 2021-08-30

ENHANCEMENT:
- fixed maps crash
- made buttons better on record observation
- added slight padding to title buttons
- photos selectable from gallery
- location accuracy must be manually set when using map pin
- automatically update altitude when using map-pin
- text changes
- tap-to-select map pin
- remove default map-pin
- performance improvements
- privacy policy update
- update photo buttons on census page

### 1.0 — 2019-08-15

No release notes.

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- [NSW National Parks](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nsw-national-parks/id1213696400)
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All apps by Department of Planning, Industry and Environment: https://appshunter.io/developer/559957680

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-14.*