Australia Issues Endangered Species Protections to Koala Bears

​www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/11/australia-designates-koalas-as-endangered-species

Koala bears will finally see endangered species protection after years of steady decline in the marsupial's population. Koalas were listed as vulnerable only 10 years prior, indicating a steep decline in their population and a serious need for conservation efforts. Since 2001, koala populations have dropped nearly 50% in Queensland and 62% in New South Wales. Without serious efforts to protect them, it is predicted that one of Australia's most recognized & beloved species will be extinct by 2050.

Koalas have faced insurmountable perils to their survival including habitat loss, urbanization, cumulative diseases, and bushfires; particularly the black summer bushfires of 2019 / 2020. The koalas habitat was decimated during these fires and thousands of them were killed trying to escape. With bushfires becoming more sever and more regular, it's imperative that action is taken to protect not only the environment and their habitat, but the koala bear in general. As reported, it's possible that the koala is extinct in the next 25 years.

Endangered species protections offer a significant increase in resources to tackle perils linked to the decline in koala populations. This funding will go towards better protecting their habitat and identifying whether new developments will have a direct impact on their survival. The funds and resources will also look at ways to help rehabilitate the species back to pre-vulnerable levels. Without this necessary funding, koalas would never have a fighting chance at survival which is why it's crucial to list them. It's also a saddening realization that Australia has failed the marsupial because issuing these protections typically means that the worst case scenario is headed their way. 

Australia will need to tackle climate change; a topic that has Australians divided regarding its importance. The bushfires of 2019 / 2020 are a direct result of climate change and proof that drastic measures must be taken to prevent the inevitable extinction of koalas and the decimation of eucalyptus forests that the koalas rely on for survival. These fires are getting bigger, spreading faster, and doing more damage, and they're not going to stop unless the serious issue of climate change is addressed. Koalas won't be the only species to go extinct in the country if these issues are not rapidly addressed and a carbon reduction plan is not put in place. These are the facts.

Here's to hoping that these endangered species act protections weren't issued too late and that the koala has a fighting chance at survival.

HAPPY VEG