Koalas In Danger

The koala, Australia’s iconic tree-dwelling furball, has been declared “endangered” across much of the eastern part of the country. The threats to its existence – habitat loss, drought, wildfires – are attributed to relentless human encroachment amplified by climate change.

The government, currently under prime minister Scott Morrison, says it is ramping up protections for koalas, including a $50 million commitment to conservation and the development of a “comprehensive framework” to protect the beloved species. “We are taking unprecedented action to protect the koala, working with scientists, medical researchers, veterinarians, communities, states, local governments and Traditional Owners,” declared Environment Minister Sussan Ley.

The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is not impressed. “This change in status is too little, too late,” said Foundation chair Deborah Tabart in a press release. “The Federal Government may be offering our Koalas a nice new word, but behind all the photo opportunities and political rhetoric they continue to approve the destruction of Koala habitat. If the clearing of Koala habitat continues, a further status change is imminent – from ‘endangered’ to ‘extinct’.”

That grim assessment comes as the koala’s numbers have dropped precipitously in recent years. The AKF estimates that 30% of the population was wiped out between 2018-2021, a brutal culling by rampant wildfires. The current population is estimated to be between 32,000 - 58,000 nationwide.

BBC has an explainer here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a7Sg6YHE8I.

Photo credit: Wendy Blansard / Australian Koala Foundation