From Sophia Walter
Australian Koala Foundation
With fewer than 100,000 left in the wild and habitat disappearing fast, the koala is sadly an example of Australia’s loosening grip on biodiversity.
Protecting koala habitat today helps over 400 threatened plant and animal species already identified at risk. Preserving koala habitat automatically means protecting of a wide range of Australian biodiversity.
Sadly, most of these species cannot get the publicity that will ensure their survival, which is why protecting this national icon is so important.
Deforestation and irresponsible development have had an enormous impact on koala habitat and consequently koala populations. Traditionally, koalas are most abundant in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales. Unfortunately, this is also what humans class as prime real estate. The continuing urbanisation of our landscape is leading to steep declines in koala numbers due to starvation, disease, dog attacks and vehicle accidents.
Countless other species, from frogs to quolls to bats, face the same fate. Perhaps this iconic species can be the power behind the protection of east coast plants and animals.
Australian Koala Foundation CEO Ms Deborah Tabart sees the koala as the canary in the coal mine for Australia’s natural environment.
“Koalas can survive a fair amount of disruption so we know that when koala numbers start to decline, you can be sure that just about every other native species will start suffering too,” Ms Tabart said.
“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect example of the developers moving in and as they knock down trees, the koalas disappear too.”
This month, the Australian Koala Foundation is launching their new Potential Koala Habitat Maps, the result of millions of dollars worth of research. The maps show the massive loss of habitat since white settlement.
“Our maps are simple and powerful and show just how much trouble Australia’s landscape is in. Native animals just will not survive unless serious change occurs, and quickly,” Ms Tabart said.
A new voice for the conservation movement is also being launched by the Australian Koala Foundation. The Koala Campaigners (KCs) are a group of people dedicated to living the message of habitat protection and sharing that message with Australian and international decision-makers. From signing petitions and writing letters to politicians, to pledging to live their own lives in a more environmentally-friendly way, the Australian Koala Foundation and supporters are hoping to create powerful change through the movement.
Further Information: September 2008 is Save the Koala Month.
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