Repopulation of pest koalas on Kangaroo Island a no-go after bushfires
4 years, 11 months ago

Repopulation of pest koalas on Kangaroo Island a no-go after bushfires

ABC  

While the country laments the horrific loss of wildlife due to bushfires, talks are being held on Kangaroo Island to ensure its decimated koala population does not regenerate. Key points: Kangaroo Island koala population estimated to have been killed by up to 90 per cent Koalas on the island were introduced and unsustainable Government to explore keeping depleted population manageable Koalas are a pest on Kangaroo Island — they were introduced in the 1920s in response to population decline across the country's south-east caused by the fur trade. Starting with 18 disease-free koalas from French Island in Victoria, the population spiralled out of control to an estimated 50,000 by last year, creating unsustainable pressure on the local environment. Gum plantations accelerate population growth Mr Speirs said tree plantations on the island had given the koalas more food, habitats and safe places to breed, which had accelerated the growth of the population.

Population Island Kangaroo Kangaroo Island Koalas Speirs Pest Koala  work  repopulation  population  bushfires  koalas  island  adelaide  pest  koala  introduced  speirs  situation  nogo  kangaroo

History of this topic

‘Only in Australia’: Couple comes home to find koala in bed
1 month, 3 weeks ago

‘Only in Australia’: Couple comes home to find koala in bed

CNN  

CNN — Koalas are normally found in eucalyptus trees, but one couple came home in Australia on Wednesday and were shocked to find one in their bedroom. Francielle Dias Rufino Video showed the koala sitting on the floor beside their bed, staring at Rufino and her husband, Brunno, before climbing onto a bedside table. Koalas, which are mostly found on …

‘Roadkill hotspot’ in Australia sees 150 endangered koalas die every year
1 month, 4 weeks ago

‘Roadkill hotspot’ in Australia sees 150 endangered koalas die every year

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A stretch of highway in …

This popular island was ravaged by fires – here’s what it’s really like to go back
6 months, 2 weeks ago

This popular island was ravaged by fires – here’s what it’s really like to go back

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Kangaroo Island was completely devastated by wildfires four years ago I hear more about it next …

Sterilisation, contraception and translocation back on the table for Kangaroo Island's koalas
1 year, 3 months ago

Sterilisation, contraception and translocation back on the table for Kangaroo Island's koalas

ABC  

South Australia's environment minister says her department will consider all available options, including sterilisation, contraception and relocation in developing a new plan to manage the growing number of koalas on Kangaroo Island. Key points: A 2021 survey estimated there to be 15,000 koalas on Kangaroo Island Their numbers could potentially double every four years There is currently no management plan …

Calls for koala management plan as Kangaroo Island's Tasmanian blue gum plantations are removed
1 year, 4 months ago

Calls for koala management plan as Kangaroo Island's Tasmanian blue gum plantations are removed

ABC  

Wildlife workers and researchers say Kangaroo Island koalas displaced by the removal of controversial Tasmanian blue gum plantations are starving — and an urgent solution is required. Key points: A 2021 survey estimated 15,000 koalas lived on the island The animals are being displaced as the island's timber plantations come down Locals say a koala management plan is needed as …

Koalas declared endangered in Australia after devastating wildfires
2 years, 10 months ago

Koalas declared endangered in Australia after devastating wildfires

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Australia’s environment minister has moved the much-loved animal from …

Koala declared endangered as disease, lost habitat take toll
2 years, 10 months ago

Koala declared endangered as disease, lost habitat take toll

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Koalas were declared officially endangered …

Hundreds of feral cats removed from Kangaroo Island in bid to protect endangered native species
3 years ago

Hundreds of feral cats removed from Kangaroo Island in bid to protect endangered native species

ABC  

Hundreds of feral cats have been removed from Kangaroo Island since the devastating 2020 fires. Key points: Environmental groups are targeting feral cats on Kangaroo Island They're using state-of-the-art traps that spray a toxin on the pests Feral cats are putting extra pressure on endangered species recovering from the 2020 bushfires The pests have been putting increased pressure on endangered …

Kangaroo Island timber set for incineration to be used for homes after lifeline from the federal government
3 years, 3 months ago

Kangaroo Island timber set for incineration to be used for homes after lifeline from the federal government

ABC  

About 60,000 tonnes of wood will be shipped off South Australia's Kangaroo Island in a bid to avoid it going up in smoke, while also providing desperately needed structural timber for houses. Key points: Kangaroo Island timber plantations were damaged by bushfire in January 2020 A proposal for a port to export timber from the island was knocked back in …

Bushfire-hit Kangaroo Island dunnart refuge declared predator-free after fence project
3 years, 6 months ago

Bushfire-hit Kangaroo Island dunnart refuge declared predator-free after fence project

ABC  

A wildlife refuge home to the critically endangered Kangaroo Island dunnart has officially been declared free of feral predators after a year of hard work from conservationists. Key points: Kangaroo Island was hit by a massive bushfire in January 2020 The endangered Kangaroo Island dunnart managed to survive A refuge where it lives has been declared predator-free The 369-hectare Western …

Australia could list east coast koalas as endangered
3 years, 6 months ago

Australia could list east coast koalas as endangered

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia is considering listing koalas on the country’s east coast as endangered, Minister for the …

Over 60,000 Koalas Were Affected by Australia's Deadly 'Black Summer' Bushfires
4 years, 1 month ago

Over 60,000 Koalas Were Affected by Australia's Deadly 'Black Summer' Bushfires

News 18  

More than 60,000 koalas among three billion animals were impacted during Australia’s devastating 2019-20 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, a report released on Monday revealed. The report, ‘Impacts of the unprecedented 2019-2020 bushfires on Australian animals’ found about 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 181 million birds, and 51 million frogs lived in the areas hit by the fires. According to the …

More than 60,000 koalas killed or hurt in Australia’s bushfires
4 years, 1 month ago

More than 60,000 koalas killed or hurt in Australia’s bushfires

Al Jazeera  

WWF says number is ‘deeply disturbing’ given the animal has already been in steep decline. “Sixty thousand koalas impacted is a deeply disturbing number for a species already in trouble,” O’Gorman said in a statement. “We cannot afford to lose koalas on our watch.” The bushfires that swept across southeastern Australia from September 2019 and into the early part of …

WWF report finds 71pc decline in koala numbers across northern NSW bushfire-affected areas
4 years, 4 months ago

WWF report finds 71pc decline in koala numbers across northern NSW bushfire-affected areas

ABC  

A report released today shows a 71 per cent decline in koala populations across six locations in northern NSW, burned in last season's bushfires. Key points: The study compares koala populations before and after the bushfires over Black Summer At one site near Taree no koalas were found and at Kappinghat Nature Reserve there was an 87 per cent decline …

Three billion animals affected by Australia bushfires: WWF
4 years, 5 months ago

Three billion animals affected by Australia bushfires: WWF

The Hindu  

Nearly 3 billion koalas, kangaroos and other native Australian animals were killed or displaced by bushfires in 2019 and 2020, a study by the World Wide Fund for Nature said on Tuesday, triple the group’s earlier estimates. Some 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds and 51 million frogs were impacted by the country’s worst bushfires in decades, …

Australia fires: Nearly three billion animals killed or displaced
4 years, 5 months ago

Australia fires: Nearly three billion animals killed or displaced

CNN  

CNN — Nearly three billion animals were killed or displaced by Australia’s devastating bushfires – almost triple the figure estimated in January – according to a report released Tuesday. Researchers are still working to finalize the report, titled “Australia’s 2019-2020 Bushfires: The Wildlife Toll,” but the three billion figure is not likely to change, according to a WWF statement. “When …

Koalas Face Extinction in New South Wales as Bushfire and Heat Waves Damage Habitats
4 years, 6 months ago

Koalas Face Extinction in New South Wales as Bushfire and Heat Waves Damage Habitats

News 18  

Sydney Koalas will face extinction in Australia's New South Wales state before 2050 due to the continuous destruction of their habitat and frequent natural disasters occurring in the region, according to an official report published on Tuesday which urges greater environmental protection. According to ecologist Oisin Sweeney's research, some 15,000 to 20,000 koalas were in NSW which suffered devastating bushfires …

Koalas face extinction in New South Wales within 30 years, report warns
4 years, 6 months ago

Koalas face extinction in New South Wales within 30 years, report warns

ABC  

Koalas could be extinct in New South Wales within 30 years unless urgent action is taken, according a report by a parliamentary committee. Key points: Report finds at least 5,000 koalas died in recent bushfires More than 80 per cent of some habitat areas was destroyed Committee chair Cate Faehrmann calls for urgent action to increase protected habitat The report …

Gardening Australia
4 years, 7 months ago

Gardening Australia

ABC  

SERIES 31 | Episode 18 The tiny coastal town of Sandy Point on the south Gippsland Coast, is renowned for its sheltered inlet bay and great surf, but it is also renowned for its community of koalas! “Many populations are descended from a few individuals, but it turns out that our small population was not relocated here, they are more …

First baby koala born in Australian wildlife park since devastating New South Wales bushfires
4 years, 7 months ago

First baby koala born in Australian wildlife park since devastating New South Wales bushfires

CNN  

CNN — A wildlife park in Australia is celebrating the arrival of its first baby koala since bushfires devastated the area. The baby koala – known as a joey – was revealed in a Facebook video posted by the Australian Reptile Park near Sydney, New South Wales, on Tuesday. Posted by Australian Reptile Park on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Keepers …

First koalas released back into the wild after Australian bushfires
4 years, 9 months ago

First koalas released back into the wild after Australian bushfires

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Staff and volunteers at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, based four hours’ drive north of Sydney, released their first koala on …

The koala population faces an immediate threat of extinction after the Australia bushfires, new report finds
4 years, 10 months ago

The koala population faces an immediate threat of extinction after the Australia bushfires, new report finds

CNN  

CNN — Following the devastating bushfires in Australia, there is now a significant and immediate threat of extinction to the koala population, according to a new report. Finding “an immediate, ongoing and significant threat of extinction,” the report states that koalas are eligible for a provisional listing as Endangered on an emergency basis under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act of …

Koala deaths in Victoria's south-west to be investigated
4 years, 11 months ago

Koala deaths in Victoria's south-west to be investigated

ABC  

The Victorian Government is investigating after dozens of distressed, injured and dead koalas were found at a blue gum plantation in the state's south-west. Key points: A triage of four vets are on the ground working with animal rescuers to save the animals Plantation companies are required to apply for authorisation to disturb koala populations under the Wildlife Act Animal …

We answer your questions on Kangaroo Island and other South Australian bushfire recovery
4 years, 11 months ago

We answer your questions on Kangaroo Island and other South Australian bushfire recovery

ABC  

As Australia turns its focus on recovery after devastating bushfires, some are wondering whether there have been delays in getting help to places like Kangaroo Island. Key points: Food drops for wildlife on KI are commencing 2,000 bales of hay have been donated to farmers across the Adelaide Hills and KI The SA Government has contributed more than $100,000 to …

Australia's Kangaroo Island Plantation Suspends Shares, Says Most Trees Not Productive After Fires
4 years, 11 months ago

Australia's Kangaroo Island Plantation Suspends Shares, Says Most Trees Not Productive After Fires

News 18  

Australia’s Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers Ltd on Wednesday suspended trading in its shares, saying an estimated 90% of its trees are no longer productive due to the bushfires that have ravaged the country for months now. Providing a preliminary assessment of the severity of damage, the company said that only 5% of its tree crop has not been fire-affected, while …

Counting the cost of Australia's horror bushfire season
4 years, 11 months ago

Counting the cost of Australia's horror bushfire season

Daily Mail  

More than one billion animals have been killed in the bushfire crisis which has destroyed extensive areas of critical habitat across the country. Scroll down for video Koala populations have been severely affected by the fires, with an estimated 8,000 being killed in northern NSW in addition to the 30,000 destroyed on Kangaroo Island Data published on Monday by the …

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park owner featured in viral drop bear video says he is facing backlash for donation deluge
4 years, 11 months ago

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park owner featured in viral drop bear video says he is facing backlash for donation deluge

ABC  

The Kangaroo Island koala rescuer who featured in a recent viral drop bear prank says he is facing a backlash after his crowdfunding campaign for treating injured animals exceeded its target by more than $2 million. Key points: The fundraiser set a target of $15,000 but has raised more than $2 million Sam Mitchell said his wildlife park was caring …

Australia wildfires: Hundreds of koalas being treated as animals spotted ‘curled up and shut down’ across fire-ravaged region
4 years, 11 months ago

Australia wildfires: Hundreds of koalas being treated as animals spotted ‘curled up and shut down’ across fire-ravaged region

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hundreds of koalas are being …

Australia wildfires: Koala pictured 'grieving' over dead friend
4 years, 11 months ago

Australia wildfires: Koala pictured 'grieving' over dead friend

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. An injured Koala sits beside another dead koala on …

Gripping Images Show Distraught Koala Beside Dead Companion In Australia Fires
4 years, 11 months ago

Gripping Images Show Distraught Koala Beside Dead Companion In Australia Fires

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Devastating images have captured the moment a singed koala sits traumatized beside a dead companion after a wildfire decimated their Kangaroo Island habitat. PETER PARKS via Getty Images Subsequent images show rescuers from the Humane Society International Crisis Response team capturing the surviving marsupial with a towel. PETER PARKS via Getty Images The Humane Society International Crisis …

Southern Ocean Lodge echidna survives Kangaroo Island bushfire, but albino kangaroo vanishes
4 years, 11 months ago

Southern Ocean Lodge echidna survives Kangaroo Island bushfire, but albino kangaroo vanishes

ABC  

A much-loved echidna that was feared dead at Kangaroo Island's Southern Ocean Lodge has been found alive, while Adelaide Hills locals put the call out for a local albino kangaroo. Key points: The luxury Southern Ocean Lodge was destroyed in the Kangaroo Island bushfires on January 3 An echidna regularly seen around the resort has been found alive A white …

An Australia in flames tries to cope with an ‘animal apocalypse.’ Could California be next?
4 years, 11 months ago

An Australia in flames tries to cope with an ‘animal apocalypse.’ Could California be next?

LA Times  

Sam Mitchell balanced himself on a eucalyptus branch 30 feet above the ground as his meaty left fist clutched a koala, which wailed like a pig with breathing problems. Kangaroo Island, a popular tourist destination and wildlife park off Australia’s southeast coast, has seen some of the worst damage to the nation’s biodiversity. “There’s not much that isn’t threatening koalas …

Balenciaga releases koala-themed clothing in a bid to raise money for bushfire victims in Australia
4 years, 11 months ago

Balenciaga releases koala-themed clothing in a bid to raise money for bushfire victims in Australia

Daily Mail  

Luxury French fashion house Balenciaga has released a range of koala-themed clothing to raise money for animal conservation as bushfires continue to ravage Australia. The French fashion house is selling a white hoodie with a koala print on the front for $1,075, with 100 per cent of profits going toward animal conservation The themed capsule collection comes after the fashion …

Koalas could be classified as ENDANGERED because so many have been killed by the bushfires
4 years, 11 months ago

Koalas could be classified as ENDANGERED because so many have been killed by the bushfires

Daily Mail  

Koalas could be classified as endangered because so many have been wiped out in the bushfires. Scroll down for video Wildlife and environmental groups are being given an initial cash injection of $50million as the country reels from the unprecedented bushfire crisis. A koala is seen being rescued on Kangaroo Island It was announced earlier on Monday that wildlife and …

Kangaroo Island wildlife still being found alive in charred national park, as livestock loss revealed
4 years, 11 months ago

Kangaroo Island wildlife still being found alive in charred national park, as livestock loss revealed

ABC  

Kangaroo Island koalas, kangaroos and pademelons are still being found alive in the charred Flinders Chase National Park and timber plantations more than a week after bushfires devastated the area. Key points: More than 32,000 livestock animals were lost in the Kangaroo Island blaze The Humane Society International has deployed a team to help recover injured wildlife Mayor Michael Pengilly …

Heat, winds escalate fire danger; Australians flee homes
4 years, 11 months ago

Heat, winds escalate fire danger; Australians flee homes

Deccan Chronicle  

Eden: Thousands of people fled their homes and helicopters dropped supplies to towns at risk of nearby wildfires as hot, windy conditions Friday threatened already fire-ravaged southeastern Australian communities. If you are told to leave a community, and you can leave, then you should leave.” The unprecedented fire crisis in southeast Australia has claimed at least 26 lives, destroyed more …

Kangaroo Island scorched with 'unprecedented' ferocity by bushfires as CFS saves township
5 years ago

Kangaroo Island scorched with 'unprecedented' ferocity by bushfires as CFS saves township

ABC  

The total area destroyed by the Kangaroo Island bushfires now stands at 200,000 hectares which is almost half the island, the Country Fire Service has confirmed. Key points: Major bushfires burning on Kangaroo Island have ripped through 171,000 hectares The CFS said there had been no reports of missing persons following the latest emergency There have been reports of property …

South Australia's iconic Kangaroo Island could see rare species wiped out after devastating bushfires
5 years ago

South Australia's iconic Kangaroo Island could see rare species wiped out after devastating bushfires

ABC  

Kangaroo Island is renowned for its native wildlife — the koalas are disease-free, the bees create the purest honey and it is home to one of Australia's rarest marsupials. Key points: About a third of Kangaroo Island has been burnt, including much of the Flinders Chase National Park Aerial imagery suggests the Kangaroo Island dunnart has been impacted Up to …

Australia wildfires: Entire species may have been wiped out by inferno, conservationists say
5 years ago

Australia wildfires: Entire species may have been wiped out by inferno, conservationists say

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Conservationists and wildlife experts are anxious that raging bushfires sweeping through Australia have resulted in …

Seriously injured koalas on Kangaroo Island rushed to a wildlife park
5 years ago

Seriously injured koalas on Kangaroo Island rushed to a wildlife park

Daily Mail  

Hundreds of injured koalas are being rushed to a wildlife park to be treated as devastating bushfires continue to ravage Kangaroo Island. Hundreds of injured koalas are being rushed to a wildlife park to be treated as devastating bushfires continue to ravage Kangaroo Island Half of the koalas on the South Australian island are believed to have been wiped out …

Australia bushfires: Up to 30% of koalas may have been killed in New South Wales
5 years ago

Australia bushfires: Up to 30% of koalas may have been killed in New South Wales

CNN  

CNN — Almost a third of koalas in Australia’s New South Wales region may have been killed in deadly bushfires, which have been burning out of control, the Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said. In a photo on Facebook, firefighters in Hawkesbury, New South Wales were seen pulling two koalas to safety next to a highway. Posted by NSW RFS …

Koalas are likely dying by the hundreds as Australian wildfires tear across their habitat
5 years, 1 month ago

Koalas are likely dying by the hundreds as Australian wildfires tear across their habitat

CNN  

CNN — The wildfires torching southern Australia have wiped out much of the koala population, stoking fears that the national icon is getting closer to extinction. “In what is a national tragedy, the bushfires in and around Port Macquarie in November devastated a genetically diverse koala population,” Port Macquarie Koala Hospital said. “As many as 350 koalas have perished, with …

Koala-sniffing dogs are on a mission to save animals from Australia’s bushfires
5 years, 1 month ago

Koala-sniffing dogs are on a mission to save animals from Australia’s bushfires

CNN  

CNN — Dogs who have been trained to find and save koalas in the wild are helping to rescue the animals in Australia’s devastating bushfires. Bear, a border collie-koolie cross, is a detection dog who sniffs out live koalas during search and rescue operations in New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare. “IFAW …

Koalas injured in NSW bushfires treated in couple's lounge room
5 years, 1 month ago

Koalas injured in NSW bushfires treated in couple's lounge room

ABC  

The lounge room in Christeen and Paul McLeod's house in Taree, New South Wales, is a makeshift burns unit. "What we're doing is cleaning the soot off and we trim off any excess skin that's peeling off," Ms McLeod said. "It just keeps the cream on the place that we want it, so that he's not damaging the area further," …

Hundreds of koalas are thought to have perished in Australia's raging wildifires
5 years, 2 months ago

Hundreds of koalas are thought to have perished in Australia's raging wildifires

Firstpost  

Koalas climb high into trees during wildfires and survive if the fire front passes quickly below them. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital President Sue Ashton said she hoped wildlife carers would be allowed to begin their search of the fire zone for survivors on Thursday. “If we look at a 50 percent survival rate, that’s around about 350 koalas and that’s …

‘National tragedy’: Hundreds of koalas feared dead in Australian wildfire
5 years, 2 months ago

‘National tragedy’: Hundreds of koalas feared dead in Australian wildfire

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “If we look at a 50 per cent survival …

Hundreds of koalas feared dead in Australian bushfires
5 years, 2 months ago

Hundreds of koalas feared dead in Australian bushfires

CNN  

CNN — More than 350 koalas are feared to have been killed by bushfires in Australia’s New South Wales state, animal experts say. The blazes – which have been burning near the coastal township of Port Macquarie since Monday – have destroyed more than 2,000 hectares of koala heartland, CNN affiliate 9News reported. Local animal experts Koala Hospital Port Macquarie …

Researchers have found a population of koalas that could be key to saving the species
5 years, 6 months ago

Researchers have found a population of koalas that could be key to saving the species

CNN  

CNN — Researchers have found a population of koalas that could be vital for stabilizing the koala population. Scientists from the University of Adelaide say they’ve found what could be the last Australian koalas totally free of chlamydia, according to a study published recently in the journal Nature Scientific Reports. The disease is exacerbated by the stress that koalas feel …

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