Koalas declared 'Vulnerable'
Image - Jeremiah Blatz
The iconic koala has been designated a 'Vulnerable' species in certain parts of Australia in light of falling population numbers. It is understood that disease, attacks by dogs, vehicle strikes, expansion of urban areas and habitat loss are to blame for the marsupial's current decline in these regions. The current population size is not known, but some estimates have returned figures as low as 43,000 and New South Wales and Queensland have noted population declines of 40% since 1990.
Commenting, Environment Minister Tony Burke said "We're talking about a species that is not only iconic in Australia, but is known worldwide, a species that has taken a massive hit over the last 20 years and we can't wait any longer before we turn the corner when the scientists are telling us the evidence is in."
Conservationists have argued that the 'Vulnerable' designation should be extended to the entire country. The populations in South Australia and Victoria are large and are either stable or actually increasing, but Deborah Tabart of the Australian Koala Foundation has argued that such a step is necessary because "the koala is such an important tourist icon and such an important symbol to Australia".
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