Australia pledges £25m to rescue declining koala population

AUSTRALIA yesterday announced a £25 million plan to help its koala population recover, following a rapid decline in the marsupial’s fortunes.

The Australian Koala Foundation estimates there may be as few as 43,000 koalas left in the wild. 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 per cent 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 plan, thousands of hectares will be set aside to preserve the animal’s natural habitat, and cash will be used to tackle diseases, fund research, upgrade roads where koalas are regularly run over and fund a hospital to care for sick and injured animals.

A hotline will also be set up so the public can report koalas in trouble.

The move follows an independent report in 2016 that recommended a clearer strategy to deal with the decline.