As of 2022, koalas are listed as Endangered in Queensland, NSW and ACT. Without urgent action, scientists predict koalas could be extinct by 2050. 

Sadly, they are facing a multitude of threats and, unless we address them, koalas may disappear forever.

The threats facing koalas are not new. Koalas have been on a downward trajectory for many years.

Sadly, koala trees and habitats are being destroyed or fragmented because of tree-clearing for agriculture and urban development. As koalas use trees for both shelter and their main source of food, deforestation is a serious threat to wild populations.

Not only does deforestation lead to fewer trees for koalas to eat and sleep in, it also means koalas must spend more time on the ground when moving between the remaining patches of forest. This makes them more vulnerable to injury and predation.

Climate change is making natural disasters like bushfires and floods more frequent and severe, further threatening koalas and their homes. Prolonged droughts and extremely high temperatures, like heatwaves, can also make koalas sick and dehydrated. Drier weather means the eucalyptus leaves koalas rely on contain less moisture, which is a problem seeing as koalas get majority of their water from their diet.

Disease like Chlamydia is a major threat for koalas, causing blindness and problems with their kidneys and reproductive organs. Left untreated, Chlamydia can cause permanent blindness in koalas, and even death.

Koalas are a culturally significant species and, like all species, they have a critical role to play in creating a balanced ecosystem. 

Koalas help influence the growth and health of their eucalyptus forest habitats. Through selective feeding, koalas promote the growth of certain eucalyptus species over others, in turn influencing the abundance and diversity of other plant and animal species.

Many Aussies are unaware our greatest icon is facing extinction by 2050. You can be a voice for koalas by simply starting a conversation.The more people who are aware of the threats koalas face, the greater impact we can have. Thank you for being one of them.