Koala census launched

Sydney: Koala populations will be checked across Australia as part of an $A18 million ($NZ 19 million) plan to help protect the troubled native animal.

However, critics say a koala census is not enough to save the marsupial. Koalas could be extinct in New South Wales by 2050 unless urgent action is taken, and last summer’s deadly bushfires razed key habitat areas.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the national audit would help to decide where to best direct funding and support.

‘‘For all our focus on koalas, scientists are telling us that there is a serious lack of data about where populations actually are, how they are faring and the best ways to help them recover after the devastating bushfires,’’ she said. — AAP