Threats
Main Threats to South Australian Koalas
Conservation Status
In February 2022 koalas were listed as endangered in New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT. Some estimates predict koalas will become extinct in these states by 2050. Koalas in Victoria and South Australia are listed as protected. Although not listed as endangered, the challenges they face threaten the future of this iconic marsupial.
Habitat Degradation
Continued habitat loss due to land clearing and property development has resulted in habitat fragmentation. Koalas are being driven into less desirable areas, already inhabited by both human and koala populations. Koalas are increasingly in need of rescue within city areas, new suburban developments and expanding hills’ communities due to habitat loss.
Even if koalas move into suitable habitat the greater concentration of numbers results in increased competition for available food sources, and disputes over territory.
Reduced natural habitat results in koalas becoming increasingly vulnerable to road trauma, dog attacks and displacement.
Climate Change
As the impacts of climate change produce hotter, drier seasons, there will be more frequent, longer and intense heat events in Australia.
These conditions result in less water content in the leaves eaten by koalas, producing significant rates of dehydration and heat stress. During periods of higher temperatures koalas actively seek water sources on the ground, exposing them to further risks.
Research indicates that the rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increase the toxicity levels in eucalyptus leaves, which adversely impact on the leaf nutrients koalas require.
Low Genetic Diversity – Renal Disease
Koalas in South Australia are closely related as they originated from 18 individuals from Victoria. There are significant concerns that the population is so inbred that a minor disease could have a dramatic impact on their sustainability.
For example, it is thought that the critical issue of low genetic diversity and inbreeding may have significant bearing on South Australian koalas increasingly presenting with renal disease (Calcium Oxalate Nephrosis). This disease is prominent in South Australia and can occur at any age. There is no treatment, and results in euthanasia.
Other Diseases and Conditions
Chlamydia
The predominant chlamydia species in South Australia is Chlamydia pecorum which causes a multitude of symptoms. Koalas may present with inflammation of the eyes, the cloaca, and the lungs. Symptoms can include brownish staining and wet fur around the rump. Damage to reproductive organs may also be a result of advanced infection.
Mange
Sarcoptic mange is a condition caused by a parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), introduced and spread by foxes. Mange is highly contagious and spreads by a koala coming into contact with the same surface (tree or ground) as an infected koala or fox.
It is only treatable in its early stages and it is a long slow process. Koalas have a particularly sensitive gut flora and do not respond well to antibiotics. This makes it challenging for koalas to respond well to mange treatment, and in fact, any condition requiring antibiotics.
Koala Retrovirus (KoRV)
KoRV refers to a group of viruses, specific to koalas, that insert themselves into the koala’s DNA. It can result in a type of abnormal and excessive growth of tissues, presenting as various types of tumours. Currently, there is no effective treatment, and research into KoRV is ongoing.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is the curvature of the spine in which it bends abnormally to the side and can include deformity of the vertebrae. It is not fully understood whether the condition is the result of a genetic disorder, poor nutrition, or a number of contributing factors. As the condition progresses, pressure on the diaphragm causes the koala to experience difficulty breathing.
KOALA RESCUE Inc
0474 RESCUE (0474 737 283)
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