Koalas: Australian government lists marsupial as endangered

 

After a severe decrease in population, Australia has categorized the koala as an endangered species across most of its east coast.

Land clearing, bushfires, drought, infection, and other hazards have decimated the once-thriving marsupial.

The listing was for Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory, according to the federal government (ACT).

It has been advised much more to be done to safeguard koalas from habitat loss and climate change.

Only in 2012 was only the species classed as "threatened" in those states and territories. Governments have been accused of dithering, despite the increasing deterioration.

On Friday, Environment Minister Sussan Ley said, "This listing adds priority when it comes to the conservation of the koala."

Officials are working on a reform strategy, she added, and land development applications will now be evaluated for their impact on the species.

Last year, a New South Wales inquiry warned that unless urgent action is taken, koalas will become extinct in the state by 2050.

It was estimated that the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires killed 5,000 koalas and destroyed 24% of habitats in New South Wales alone.

According to Australia's largest Koala conservation group, there may only be 50,000 of the animals left in the wild.

"Within a decade, koalas went from no listing to vulnerable to endangered. That's a startlingly rapid drop "WWF-Australia conservation scientist Stuart Blanch remarked.

"Today's decision is commendable, but it will not prevent koalas from becoming extinct unless it is supported by stronger legislation and landowner incentives to maintain their forest habitats."

Climate change, according to scientists, will aggravate bushfires and drought, as well as diminish the quality of the animal's eucalyptus leaf diet.

Koalas can also be found in South Australia and Victoria, although conservation groups claim that their numbers are declining across the country.