‘The decline is massive’: Why Australia’s koalas are on the path to extinction
In February this year, koalas in eastern parts of the country were officially placed on the endangered species list by the Australian government. It followed years of rapid deterioration of the koalas’ habitats and population.
Data about their numbers and condition have proven to be patchy. But Tabart’s research suggests that there are between 40,000 and 80,000 koalas left in the wild in Australia.
It is a far cry from the 15 million that possibly were alive in pre-colonial times, before widespread hunting for the animals’ pelts during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Data about their numbers and condition have proven to be patchy. But Tabart’s research suggests that there are between 40,000 and 80,000 koalas left in the wild in Australia.
It is a far cry from the 15 million that possibly were alive in pre-colonial times, before widespread hunting for the animals’ pelts during the late 1800s and early 1900s.