THURSDAY 5 MARCH 2020Thousands of koalas died in
Australian fires, study finds
A young koala injured in the bushfires receives medical attention in Victoria (EPA)
EMILY BEAMENT
At least 5,000 koalas were killed in the recent bushfires that ravaged swathes of Australia, conservationists
have said. An assessment of the animals in New South Wales estimates that almost 12 per cent of the state’s
population perished between October and January in the devastating fires, and warns that the real figure is
likely to be higher.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) study also says that up to two-thirds of the koala
population has been lost in the past three generations because of drought, bushfires and human activity.
Wildlife campaigners described the situation as a “koala emergency” and have called for urgent protection
measures for the species, which is considered to be “vulnerable” to extinction. They want New South Wales
koalas to be given an emergency “endangered” listing to increase their protection.