A tree is planted to protect koalas in Australia

Australians are increasingly moving into the immediate vicinity of their native wild animals, such as koalas. This close proximity is becoming increasingly detrimental to koalas, as their habitat is becoming increasingly urbanized. As a result, they are faced with obstacles such as roads and houses, or they are tracked down and attacked by stray dogs. Several studies have been published with alarming results on the development of koala populations (EPA, 2007; DERM, 2009; NRMMC, 2009; DERM, 2012; Logan City Council, 2013). Scientific studies of one of the most important koala populations show a loss of over 50% (more than 2,300 animals) in just three years. It is feared that other koala populations will also experience similarly high loss rates.

The south-east of Queensland is one of the regions with the highest population growth. Although some protected areas have already been designated in the region, the majority of koala habitat is outside protected areas and on the outskirts of town. More and more areas are being designated as building sites at great speed, in close proximity to the koalas. This often leads to fatal collisions with cars and attacking dogs. In addition, climate change is threatening the survival of koalas (IUCN, 2009), as they are specialized in eating a few eucalyptus tree species. If the vegetation zones shift, they are at risk of losing their food source.