Why are koalas endangered?
Koalas were listed as endangered in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT in 2022. Their decline is caused mainly by habitat loss, disease, bushfires, dog attacks and road strikes.
Koalas depend on eucalyptus forests for food and shelter. Clearing land for farms, housing and roads has removed much of their habitat and split populations into small, isolated groups.
Chlamydia, a bacterial disease, is widespread in koalas and can cause blindness, infertility and death. Researchers have developed a vaccine that is being trialled in wild populations.
Bushfires and drought
The 2019-20 bushfires killed or displaced tens of thousands of koalas. Heatwaves and drought also stress koalas, as eucalyptus leaves lose moisture.
Koalas in Victoria and South Australia are not listed as endangered, and some populations there are large.
Conservation efforts include protecting habitat, planting trees, building wildlife crossings and caring for injured koalas in hospitals.
Because koalas eat only certain eucalyptus species, protecting the right food trees is essential, and community koala counts help scientists track how populations are changing.
Did You Know?
Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, opened in 1973, is one of the oldest dedicated koala hospitals.