Are Koalas Endangered? Marsupials' Habitat Continue to Deplete Due to Bushfires

Bushfires shattered already struggling numbers and damaged valuable habitat in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory, and koalas may soon be designated as endangered.

Deciding Committee

A federal panel of endangered species specialists has recommended that the marsupial's classification be upgraded from vulnerable in each of the three jurisdictions.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare's Josey Sharrad called the action as "bittersweet."

"It supports our worries that koalas are on the verge of extinction and will require stronger protection in the future," she added.

Australian Bushfire

"Before the fires, koalas were on the verge of extinction, with their numbers plummeting owing to habitat clearance, drought, illness, vehicle accidents, and dog attacks.

"The bushfires put the icing on the cake, wreaking havoc on already vulnerable koala numbers and crucial habitat."

Decline in Population

Since 2001, koala numbers in NSW have decreased by 33 percent to 61 percent, with at least 6,400 dead in the Black Summer bushfires.

If nothing is done, koalas in NSW may become extinct by 2050.

Due to deforestation, drought, and bushfires, Queensland's koala population has decreased by at least 50% since 2001.

In 2012, koala populations in both states and those in the ACT were designated as vulnerable.

They've been under constant threat since then, including the effects of land clearance.

Seeking Public Input

In all three jurisdictions, the threatened species committee is seeking public input on whether the native creatures' classification should be upgraded from vulnerable to endangered.

By the end of October, the group will have given its final recommendation to the federal environment minister.

Koala Recovery Strategy

A national koala recovery strategy, according to Sharrad, has been long overdue.

"We encourage governments to act quickly to address the major risks that are pushing the species to extinction," she added.

"Koalas are a beloved animal all throughout the world. We can't afford to let them become extinct while we're still alive."

The Humane Society International, which proposed the koala for endangered status alongside the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the World Wide Fund for Nature, stated that quick implementation might be the final hope for dwindling populations.

"This is news that no Australian can be proud of, but there is still time to act," said Alexia Wellbelove, the organization's senior campaign manager.

The federal government launched an $18 million initiative to help conserve the endangered native mammal earlier this year.

Sussan Ley, the environment minister, stated that a nationwide audit will aid in determining where funds and support should be directed.

However, opponents said that the koala count was insufficient to rescue the species.

The audit will cost $2 million, with the remaining funds going to health research, medical assistance, and habitat restoration.

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