Habitat loss, dog attacks, car strikes, climate change and disease have taken their toll on one of Australia's most recognisable animals (AFP Photo/Peter PARKS) |
Australia
unveiled on Monday a US$34 million plan to help bring its koala population back
from the brink, following a rapid decline in the furry marsupial's fortunes.
The
Australian Koala Foundation estimates there may be as few as 43,000 koalas left
in the wild, down from a population believed to number more than 10 million
prior to European settlement of the continent in 1788.
"Koalas
are a national treasure," said Gladys Berejiklian, premier of New South
Wales state, in announcing her government's conservation plan.
"It
would be such a shame if this nationally iconic marsupial did not have its
future secured."
Habitat
loss, dog attacks, car strikes, climate change and disease have taken their
toll on one of Australia's most recognisable animals.
Studies
show a 26 percent decline in the koala population in New South Wales over the
last 15-20 years. The state lists the species as "vulnerable", while
in other parts of the country they are effectively extinct.
Under the
Aus$45 million plan, thousands of hectares will be set aside to preserve the
marsupial's natural habitat.
Funds will
be used to tackle diseases ravaging koala populations, including chlamydia --
which causes blindness, infertility and death in the species.
Cash has
also been earmarked for research, roadkill hotspot upgrades and a new hospital
to care for sick and injured koalas. A hotline will also be set up to report
koalas in trouble.
The move
follows an independent report in late 2016 that recommended a clearer strategy
to deal with the population decline.
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