Koala Conservation
Koalas prefer coastal hinterland along Australia’s east coast, which means they come into direct conflict and competition with humans. Much of our coastal development occurs in belts of land occupied by Koalas, and our arrival means eviction for these beautiful marsupials.
Koalas are territorial, occupying large territories with “shared trees” in overlapping areas designated for mating or social activities. This makes habitat destruction catastrophic, because a Koala cannot simply move into another’s territory. Homeless Koalas must come down from the trees to seek new territory, leaving them vulnerable. Next to tree clearing, being struck by a car or killed by a dog is a Koala’s greatest threat. Cars and dogs collectively kill more than 4000 Koalas annually.
More than 80% of the Koala’s habitat has vanished in the past 200 years and much of what remains is on private, unprotected land, necessitating education programs and the creation of Koala corridors. Research carried out at Sydney University in 2008 indicated that rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere could also sap nutrients from the gum leaves that are the Koala’s food source, further threatening these marsupials. Koalas are notoriously fussy eaters and dine only on the leaves of about 25 of the more than 800 eucalypt species in Australia. One thing is certain, without stronger measures to protect Koala habitat from ongoing development or human interference, our cuddly little friends will struggle to survive in the 21st century.
A study on Koalas conducted by the Australian Koala Foundation showed that the loss of the Koala could be severely detrimental not only for its ecosystem but also for our tourism industry. It estimated that this fluffy little mascot is worth $1.1 billion in tourism every year and creates more than 9000 jobs. Koalas are not only at risk from habitat loss; many are infected with the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia, which can cause blindness, infertility and respiratory problems. Koala conservation programs are now operating around the nation and calls are being made for governments to reassess these programs and funding.
See it for yourself… the huge impact our urbanised lifestyle has had on koala habitat
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Amazing Facts about Australian Wildlife ConservationThe Amazing Facts series is your one stop reference to Australia and it's unique wildlife. A must-have for every home library with more than 150 photographs and illustrations, accompanied by easy-to-follow text suitable for children ages 8 up, adults and educators. |
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A Wild Australia Guide: MammalsAustralia is the only country in the world where representatives of the three major mammal types (placentals, marsupials and monotremes) are found. |
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Nature Watch - MammalsThe Nature Watch collection introduces children to Australia's astounding native animals. |
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Koala Mini Souvenir BookKoalas, with their round, furry ears, cute faces and treetop lifestyle, fascinate all who see them. This charming little collection of Steve Parish portraits shows Koalas going about their daily lives. |
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Down to EarthJemima the koala and her baby, Mimi, have lived all their lives in the tree tops. When Stella the jabiru holds a party, the koalas are tempted to come down. Squint the echidna thinks theyre too snobby to leave their lofty home, but is he mistaken? Are the koalas down to earth after all? |
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First Facts: KoalasWith these simple, affordable First Fact books, parents won't need to scratch their heads when asked whether a shark's teeth fall out, or why emus have such long legs! This range aims to satisfy some of the common questions children aged 3–5 years of age might have about birds, kangaroos, fish and koalas. |
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Kit Kit KoalaIt had been a hot summer and the bush was very dry. Now Kitkit Koala and her animal friends, the wombat, the platypus and the kangaroo are concerned about the odd smell in the air. Suddenly they realise what it is — smoke! Kitkit's friends each have their own strategy for escaping the bushfire that is heading their way. But what should Kitkit do? |
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Junior Encyclopedia of Australian WildlifeThe Steve Parish Junior Encyclopedia of Australian Wildlife combines full-colour photographs with informative, easy-to-read text that introduces children and adults to Australia's fascinating wildlife. All major groups of land-based vertebrate and invertebrate animals are covered, from mammals to reptiles and insects. |
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Animals in My World: Hide and SeekIntroduce your child to a wonderful and imaginative world where Australian animals live at your place. With pop-ups, flaps, and loads of fun, Animals In My World books will quickly become family favourites. |
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Koala's Big DayIn Koala's Big Day, a baby koala travels with his mother and the other koalas to a gum tree that has enough leaves for everyone. |
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Brave KoalaIn Brave Koala, a young koala decides he is ready to explore the world by himself. |
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