The koalas that inhabit the states of New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory have been declared at risk of extinction accepting the recommendation of the scientific committee of threatened species.
The koala, a globally recognized symbol of Australia’s unique wildlife , had been listed as “vulnerable” on the east coast just a decade earlier.
“The new listing highlights the challenges facing the species,” Environment Minister Sussan Ley said in a statement. “Together we can ensure a healthy future for the koala and this decision will play a key role in that process.”
Aside from being added to the endangered list , the government plans to adopt a national recovery plan for this species. The recovery plan establishes the main threats to the koala and the actions necessary to prevent its extinction.
Environmental groups have long argued that the koala’s conservation status should improve. Three organizations, Humane Society International (HSI), WWF-Australia, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare, nominated this creature for the endangered species list.
Conservationists have added that koala populations had plummeted in Australia over the last two decades , following the colossal impact of bushfires, land clearing, drought and disease, warning that they are now closer to extinction. .
The situation of the koalas is serious
Its decline has been extremely rapid but there is still time to save this iconic species, says Dermot O’Gorman, executive director of WWF-Australia through social networks. “The koala’s endangered status means that they and their forest homes should receive greater protection under Australia’s national environmental law. This will not only protect the iconic animal, but many other species that live alongside them,” according to WWF-Australia.
In total, the Koala Foundation reported that there were 58,000 of these marsupials in 2021, up from more than 80,000 living in Australia in 2018 .
Once the recovery plan is adopted, ministers are legally bound not to make decisions that are inconsistent with it. Unfortunately, governments are not required to implement the plan.
Reference:
WWF Australia
