The Australian government has listed the koala population in Queensland, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory as vulnerable following an advice made by Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC). Environment Minister Tony Burke stated in a media release that the “koala populations are under serious threat from habitat loss and urban expansion, as well as vehicle strikes, dog attacks, and disease.”

The Guardian further elaborates that the predation by domesticated dogs are specially common during summer when koalas are found drinking from swimming pools and water bowls in residences and are unable to climb trees. Additionally, the drought between 2001-2007 has also been cited as a reason for the decline.

Although their number is stable and even increasing in some parts of Australia to a point where  sterilization is necessitated, their population is of concern in Queensland, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory, all of which are densely populated. According to an Australian Government database, the overall population of koalas in Queensland is believed to have declined by an average of 75 percent since 1990s, while in New South Wales, TSSC notes that there was a 33 percent decline from 1990 to 2010.

Our cute furry friends need your help! Learn how you can take action today at Australian Koala Foundation.

Image Credit: Lucasz Lech/Flickr