Australia Lists Koalas As Endangered Species due to Declining Numbers

Australia Lists Koalas As Endangered Species: Australian Government has designated Koala as an endangered species across most of its east coast following rapid decline in its number. The announcement comes amid rapid decline in its population following outbreak of wildfires, drought and disease. Koalas also known as Marsupials were once thriving on the Eastern Coast of the Island Continent, but have recently fallen victim to land clearing, catastrophic bushfires which has lead to shrinking its eucalyptus tree habitats across the country. In 2012, Koalas were classified as Vulnerable in New South Wales, the Act and Queensland Regions by Australian Federal Government under Federal EPBC Act.

Announcement by Australian Environment Minister

Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley on Friday announced the landmark decision of the government, vowing “unprecedented action” to protect the species from possible extinction. During this announcement, Ley noted that the Listing of Koalas as endangered species is applicable in New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory - covering much of Australia’s eastern coast. Following re-classification of Koalas as endangered species, will provide them with a higher-level of protection. At the same time, it will also slow down and lower the threshold or impact to which new developments may harm them. Ley also added that along with listing of Koalas as endangered species, Australian Government is also planning to adopt a long-awaited national recovery plan for the koala.

Decision Based on Recommendations WWF-Australia

The decision to declare Koalas as endangered species has been taken following recommendation of several Wild Life Organizations. WWF-Australia, Humane Society International and International Fund for Animal Welfare had submitted a proposal to list Koalas in Endangered category in April 2020. The proposal was based on a research done by these organizations which found decline of 62% in Koala population in New South Wales and 50 percent in Queensland since 2001.

About Koalas

Native to Australia, Koalas are arboreal herbivorous marsupials found in Australiann mainland's eastern and southern regions. The typical habitat for Koalas is open eucalypt woodlands, and the leaves of these trees make up most of their diet. In terms of societal behaviour, Koalas are asocial animals and typically emotional bonding is seen only between mothers and dependent offspring.

Also Read: Australia Wildfires: Everything You Need To Know