Wildlife

Koala Welfare in Fragmented Australian Forests

Koalas face welfare challenges from habitat loss, dog attacks, vehicle strikes, disease, and drought stress across their eastern Australian range.

Key Facts

Koalas are classified as Endangered in Queensland, New South Wales, and the ACT
Chlamydia affects up to 50% of koalas in some populations causing blindness and infertility
Dog attacks and vehicle strikes are leading causes of injury and death
Climate change is causing heat stress as temperatures exceed koala tolerances
Over 80% of koala habitat has been lost to clearing since European settlement

Welfare Considerations

Chlamydia causes ocular and urogenital disease leading to blindness, infertility, and cystitis causing chronic pain. Dog attacks cause severe traumatic injuries requiring extensive veterinary treatment. Vehicle strikes cause traumatic injuries with many koalas surviving in pain before rescue. Heat stress events cause hyperthermia as animals descend from trees seeking cooler air, increasing ground predator exposure.

What You Can Do

Support habitat corridor programs connecting koala populations
Donate to koala wildlife hospitals treating injured animals
Advocate for strong koala habitat protection legislation
Keep dogs secured especially in areas near koala habitat
Support climate action reducing frequency and severity of heat waves