Koalas, Australia's living emblems, are now at the heart of a major environmental concern. Long perceived as robust animals ubiquitous in eucalyptus forests, their population has declined dramatically in recent decades. According to estimates from the Australian Koala Foundation, between 32,000 and 58,000 individuals will remain in the wild in 2025, compared to several hundred thousand at the beginning of the 20th century.
This arboreal marsupial, recognizable by its tufted ears and broad nose, spends up to 20 hours a day sleeping. Its diet is highly specialized: it feeds almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves, consuming approximately 500 grams per day. This dietary dependence makes it particularly vulnerable to changes in its habitat, especially deforestation and fires.
Multiple threats that are accelerating the decline
The bushfires that ravaged Australia between 2019 and 2020 marked a dramatic turning point. More than 12 million hectares were burned, resulting in the death or displacement of nearly 60,000 koalas, according to some studies. In some regions, such as New South Wales, up to 30% of the local population is estimated to have perished within a few months, exacerbating an already alarming trend.
In addition to these natural disasters, other persistent threats remain. Increasing urbanization fragments their habitat, forcing koalas to cross roads where they are frequently involved in collisions. Every year, several thousand individuals are injured or killed by vehicles or attacks from domestic dogs. Furthermore, chlamydia, a bacterial infection, affects up to 50% of koalas in some areas, causing blindness, infertility, and increased mortality.
The mobilization is still insufficient in the face of the emergency.
In response to this situation, Australian authorities officially classified the koala as an “endangered” species in 2022 in several key states. Conservation programs have been implemented, including habitat protection, eucalyptus planting, and the development of vaccines against diseases. Some projects also aim to create ecological corridors to allow isolated populations to reconnect.
Experts remain cautious. Climate change, with more frequent droughts and rising temperatures, could further reduce the quality of eucalyptus leaves and limit available resources. The koala's fate now depends on Australia's ability to reconcile human development with the preservation of its natural heritage. Without swift and coordinated action, this iconic animal could become a symbol of extinction in the coming decades.
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