Make a Difference
Koalas
Koalas are one of the world’s most iconic animals, they’re considered treasured symbols of Australia. Found along the eastern coast, from Queensland to South Australia, koalas rely exceedingly on eucalyptus forests for food and shelter, eating up to 500 grams of leaves daily.
Sadly, being iconic and symbolic is not enough to save koalas from the threat of extinction. Once heavily hunted for fur, they now struggle with habitat loss through deforestation, the deadly koala Chlamydia disease, traffic collisions, and dog attacks. In 2022, koalas were listed as Endangered in Queensland, New South Wales, and the ACT. The future of this iconic animal depends on us taking urgent action to safeguard them and their forest homes.
Deforestation
Deforestation primarily for agriculture and urban development is displacing koalas, forcing them onto the ground where they’re vulnerable to traffic, predators, and stress-related diseases. With fewer trees, they face greater risk of illness and death.
Disease
Chlamydia is a major threat to koalas in South East Queensland and Northern NSW. One form causes blindness, while a more severe form damages the kidneys and reproductive system, often leading to death if untreated.
Climate Change
Climate change is causing koala populations to decline as eucalyptus leaves become less nutritious due to the climatic changes in Australia. More frequent and intense environmental emergencies such as bushfires and floods also threaten their habitat.
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why it matters
The koala is an iconic symbol of Australia. Koalas hold deep cultural significance to Aboriginal Australians, featuring prominently in Dreamtime stories, songs and rock art. Protecting bushland areas in an effort to save koala populations also preserves the forest homes of other species like possums, greater gliders, wombats, quolls, birds, and reptiles.
Helping Paws
What WWF is doing to support koalas
WWF-Australia is at the forefront of research efforts to protect koalas and restore their habitat.
KOALAS FOREVER
Koalas Forever is our initiative to double koala numbers across eastern Australia by 2050. In 2019-20, we experienced the worst bushfire disaster in Australian history, and up to 12.6 million hectares of the forest bushland they rely on were destroyed. Koalas are now listed as Endangered in Qld, NSW and the ACT, but we’re determined to save these precious populations from the brink of extinction. Koalas Forever aims to ensure koala populations are not only doubled by 2050 but that they and their forest homes are protected.
TOWARDS TWO BILLION TREES
Part of our mission to Regenerate Nature includes our ambitious plan to save and grow Two Billion Trees by 2030. Australia has the highest rate of deforestation in the developed world, and we cannot allow this rate of destruction to continue. We all need trees to survive, and we’re urging the Australian government to take our nation from a deforestation hot spot to a leader in tree protection and restoration.
We’re working with our partners on the ground to restore and connect critical areas of habitat for animals like koalas across eastern Australia. These corridors will provide koalas with homes, food and a much-needed network of trees for safe passage.
REGENERATIVE COUNTRY
Regenerative Country is our program to protect and recover species and habitats. Our vision is to transform Australia from a deforestation to a reforestation nation. We will work with communities to protect and regenerate vital landscapes and species here and abroad. One of our key goals in this program is to protect culturally significant species, including doubling the number of koalas in the wild on Australia’s east coast by 2050.
By donating to our cause, you can help safeguard koalas and thousands of other wildlife. Your generosity will serve as a beacon of support for conservation and animal advocacy, ensuring the iconic koala thrives in our forests for generations to come.
Helping Paws
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
Join Challenge 60 and fundraise to help protect and restore nature.
Every 60 minutes you move will help to protect nature and our planet for years to come.
The funds you raise for Challenge 60 can help to:
- Stop habitats being destroyed.
- Protect the animals you love.
- Regenerate nature.
You can make a world of difference this March by raising funds to protect Sspecies including the koala and places that need it most.
Ask your family, friends and work collegues to donate to your challenge. A donation of $60 could help plant more trees and create homes for thousands of native animals like koalas.
Species bio 🐨
Common Name
Koala
Scientific Name
Phascolarctos cinereus
Indigenous Name
gula, burbi, bandurbah, dunggir, and bandjurah - Bundjalung (Qld) burraga, gulamany - Darug (NSW) barrandhang, gurabaan, naagun - Wiradjuri (NSW) kulla - Dippil (NSW) gula - Ngunnawal (ACT) Gurrborra - Woi wurrung (Vic.)
Length: 50-80cm
Weight: A koala’s size is dependent on what part of Australia it lives in. The biggest koalas live in the south and can weigh up to 10kg, while in North Queensland, they weigh as little as 5.5kg.
Distribution: Throughout eucalyptus forests in eastern Australia - from North Queensland to across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia.
Status
Endangered (EPBC Act – Qld, NSW, ACT only)
