ARE THE AUSTRALIAN KOALAS HEADING FOR EXTINCTION?

When the topic of Koala extinction is raised most Australians shake their head in disbelief. Most have seen koalas and those living in koala habitat areas have experienced close encounters with Australia’s animal icon. However, follow the history of koalas in Australia and you will discover periods of dramatic koala losses. Add to this recent disastrous bush fires in Koala habitat areas and you will understand why there is a growing concern about their numbers. Throw in a couple of diseases and add the loss of habitat and then introduce current trends like global warming, climate change and concerns over emissions and your can understand why the survival risks for koalas have changed them from “plentiful” to an “at risk” level.