The koala, with their small body, cute fluffy ears, and big black nose, is one of the world’s most iconic and beloved animals, and they can only be found in Australia! Koalas live in the eucalyptus forests and woodlands on mainland eastern Australia, and on a few islands located off Australia’s eastern and southern coasts.

Today, the koala sadly faces the threat of extinction. During the 1920’s, thousands of koalas were killed for fur. Now koalas are facing the consequences of excessive deforestation. It is important that we save the koalas for numerous reasons. First, koalas are exotic creatures that add to the beauty of the world and specifically to the country of Australia. Secondly, koalas contribute to their environment and ecosystem. Koalas help the woodlands flourish and regenerate leading to biodiversity growth. It is our responsibility to save and care for the koalas.

On the east side of Australia, there are four states that koalas call home. Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria. In Queensland and New South Wales, the koala was listed as endangered under the EPBC act in February of 2022. In South Australia, the koala was listed as rare, and In Victoria, there is currently no official listing for the koala, however the koalas that live there share the same health and safety problems as those that inhabit other areas.

Koalas are declining in population due to several environmental threats, such as habitat destruction, bushfires, road accidents, and dog attacks. In addition to environmental threats, koalas also face health threats, as they are prone to catching the disease, Chlamydia. According to the Australian Koala Foundation, "there are less than 57,920 Koalas left in the wild, possibly as few as 32,065." If no action is taken to help and protect them, the koala population will be headed towards extinction by the year 2050.