It’s hard to imagine that such beautiful creatures as koalas are under threat, but that’s the unfortunate reality. In February 2022, the Australian government listed koalas as “Endangered” in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. Populations have dropped by over 50 percent in some parts of Australia. Let’s take a look at two significant threats to their survival - habitat loss and climate change.

What is Causing Habitat Loss?

There are many causes of habitat loss for koalas. Animals that lose their habitats simply can’t survive, and it would be a shame for future generations to only see captive koalas or read about them in a koala picture book, with no chance of seeing them in the wild. Habitat loss is caused by:

1. Deforestation. With new towns and cities popping up across Australia, koalas are losing their natural environments. 

2. Farming and agriculture. The eucalyptus forests in which koalas thrive are being cleared at an alarming rate for farming and agricultural purposes. 

3. Logging. When trees are cut down for timber and paper, koala homes are destroyed in the process. 

Effects of Habitat Loss 

Habitat loss can have a devastating impact on koalas. When the eucalyptus trees in which they live are cut down, koalas instantly lose their food and water supply. They’re forced to spend more time at ground level with minimal shelter, which puts them at risk of predators such as dogs and snakes. 

Habitat loss then causes koalas to live in isolated pockets of remaining trees. This reduces breeding opportunities, reducing overall koala numbers in the wild. Koalas typically only breed once a year, so it’s really important to ensure the mating season which runs from September to February (spring to summer in Australia) isn’t disturbed. 

Why is Climate Change a Threat to Koalas?

Climate change is something that must be taken seriously if we want koalas to thrive in the wild. With hotter temperatures, koalas are at risk of heat stress and dehydration, particularly during heatwaves. Warmer conditions can also lead to disastrous bushfires, which destroy koala habitats and threaten lives directly. It’s estimated that thousands of koalas died in the 2019-2020 Australian bushfires alone. 

Sadly, a hotter climate also reduces the quality of eucalyptus trees and leaves. They hold less moisture and nutrients, making it harder for koalas to get the energy they need from them. 

Conservation Efforts 

Thankfully, a lot of work is going on to preserve and restore koala habitats across Australia. Rescue and rehabilitation missions after natural disasters like bushfires also come into operation to help save koala populations. This gives these sleepy creatures a better chance of survival. 

If you love these unique creatures and want to see a koala show, don’t miss The Koala Who Could, which is currently on tour in the UK. Ideal for families, it retells Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s story with puppetry, songs and dance. Book your tickets today and join in the fun of this child-friendly show. Koala themed days out don’t get much better!