Australia's Radio Nine news reported on February 11 that the federal environment department announced that koalas are officially listed as "endangered" species in Queensland, New Zealand and the Capital Territory.
Koalas are officially listed as endangered species in two states and one territory.
Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley announced that koalas will be classified as endangered from vulnerable species, as recommended by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee.
More than 60,000 koalas have died or been affected by 'black summer wildfires' (Credit: Australia's Nine News)
Ley said in a statement: "Starting today, we will strengthen the protection of NSW, the Capital Territory and queensland koalas, listing them as endangered from their previous fragile species." ”
Ley explained that chronic droughts, "black summer" wildfires of 2019/2020 and deforestation over the past 20 years have led to a decline in koala populations.
A 2020 report showed that more than 60,000 koalas died or were affected by "black summer wildfires."
It is estimated that nearly a third of East Coast koalas died in the three years from 2018 to 2021.
Sam Mitchell of Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park buryed dead koalas and kangaroos
(Image source: Australia Station Nine News)
Ley said the government pledged $50 million to protect koalas before announcing the decision.
"We are taking unprecedented action to work with researchers, medical researchers, veterinarians, communities, states, local governments and traditional owners to protect koalas," she said. ”
Josey Sharrad, wildlife manager at the International Fund for Conservation of Animals, called the decision a "double-edged sword."
"We shouldn't have let things get to this point," Sharrad said, "and if we can't even protect Australia's iconic species, what chances do those little-known but equally important species have?" ”
"Forest fires are the last straw. It's a wake-up call for Australia and the government to act faster to protect vital habitats and seriously address the impacts of climate change. ”
Near Kin Kin, Queensland, koala mother and son curl up in wood (Image: Channel Nine News Australia)
WWF-Australia conservation scientist Stuart Blanch has called on federal and state governments to commit to ensuring that the number of koalas on the East Coast is doubled by 2050.
"In just a decade, koalas have gone from being a non-fragile species to endangered species at an alarming rate," Blanch said, "and today's decision is supported, but unless stronger laws are introduced and landowners are provided with incentives to protect koalas' forest homes, koalas cannot be avoided going extinct." ”
"Over the past 20 years, the number of koalas has been cut in half. The latest data from SLATS shows that deforestation in Queensland is continuing at an alarming rate, and we must reverse this trend. ”
According to Australia's Radio Nine news report, the number of koalas in southeast Queensland is expected to be reduced to just 8,000 when Brisbane hosts the Olympic Games in 2032.