Koalas are one of Australia’s most iconic animals, and once lived in large numbers around the coastal areas of the country. Sadly though, they are now listed as Endangered in some states, and face growing threats to their safety. Here, we explain why koalas are endangered and how you can help.

What does endangered mean?

A species that is endangered is one that is at risk of extinction. This means that unless action is taken by conservationists, scientists and communities, there will be no more of that species left on the planet. Koalas were first listed as Endangered in 2022 because their numbers in the wild are declining rather than increasing or staying stable. 

Why koalas are endangered

In the 1900s, koalas were hunted for their fur, which led to significant decreases in their population. While they are no longer hunted, they do face other threats to their survival, including:

• Deforestation

Koalas live in eucalyptus forests, so when parts of these forests are cut down to make room for human housing, roads and farmland, koalas lose their homes. With fewer trees to live in, they have less access to the food they eat, and may need to come down to the ground to move between forested areas. This is dangerous for them because they could get hit by cars or attacked by predators.

• Disease

Koalas are vulnerable to a disease called chlamydia. This takes two forms: the first type can cause blindness, while the second type affects koalas’ kidneys and their ability to reproduce. If they’re unable to have babies, koala numbers fall further. 

• Climate change

Climate change is causing koala populations to decrease in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. As temperatures rise, the eucalyptus trees on which they survive become less nutritious and cannot fuel koalas’ bodies as effectively. Climate change also increases the risk of bushfires, which destroy koalas’ homes. 

• Drought

Another effect of climate change is drought, where water sources become smaller or disappear. While koalas get most of their water from eucalyptus leaves, the trees themselves need water to survive. If the trees are dying, koalas have nowhere to shelter and nothing to eat. 

What you can do

Luckily there are many organisations working to help koalas survive. Conservation reserves provide safe habitats for the creatures, and charities are trying to slow deforestation and fund vaccination programmes for koalas to protect them against disease. You can help these efforts by donating to wildlife charities such as WWF Australia, Friends of the Koala, and the Australian Koala Foundation. If you’re visiting Australia and want to see a koala, make sure you do so ethically - either on a reputable safari tour or at a koala sanctuary. 

See a koala in the UK

If you have read Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s koala story, The Koala Who Could, don’t miss the chance to see Kevin the Koala live on stage at the London Southbank Centre in April. The show retells one of the best loved stories about koalas with songs, dancing and stunning puppetry, offering children of three and up a chance to experience the magic of theatre. Book your tickets today to join the fun.