Koalas' Future in All our Hands!
Australian Greens and environmental advocates claim that this legislation has not gone nearly far enough in helping save these charming creatures. It is estimated that there are only between 80,000 and 100,000 koalas left in the wild.Koalas have one of the highest extinction rates in the world.Their diminishing numbers are attributed to a number of causes, including mining, logging, coal-seam-gas exploration, and broad-scale land clearance. In each of these cases, politicians have turned a blind eye as developers threaten the long-term survival of koalas.
Living in Tough Conditions;
Eucalyptus leaves are the only thing koalas eat. But as more and more of the trees are cut down for development, the animals face hunger, even starvation, and an increasing risk of disease.
"Koalas in the world are living in really tough conditions," Tabart said. She added they're absolutely at risk of extinction if more isn't done to protect them. This is a critical moment; we must keep pushing to help save this unique species and bring koalas back from the brink of distinction.
Dear Minister Tony Burke
Please Protect Australia's Koalas as Endangered Species.
Koalas are in peril but are yet to be listed as an endangered species. In some parts of Australia, population numbers have dropped by 80 percent! Australian scientists mainly blame drought, disease and habitat destruction for their depleted numbers.They are also concerned about climate change.
Koalas have become urban refugees - forced into living in urban areas and face new dangers such as cars and dog attacks. Koalas are unable to adapt to hot and dry conditions and many fall ill or die from dehydration or heat stress.
Eucalyptus leaves are the only thing koalas eat. But as more and more of the trees are cut down for development, the animals face hunger, even starvation, and an increasing risk of disease.
Advocacy groups, koala lovers and scientists are all asking Tony Burke, the Federal Minister of Sustainability, to list the animals as an endangered species and create a federal protection plan for the remaining koalas.
A special committee has been set up to study the koala population and the problems that plague them, but Burke has the power to protect them.
"Koalas in the world are living in really tough conditions," Tabart said. She added they're absolutely at risk of extinction if more isn't done to protect them. This is a critical moment; we must keep pushing to help save this unique species and bring koalas back from the brink of distinction.
