automoderated
1,491
edits
Koala - Phascolarctos cinereus: Difference between revisions
→Threats to the Koala population
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
== Basic description == | == Basic description == | ||
Koalas are marsupials that live in Australia. They have dense fur, round bodies, fluffy ears, and large oval-shaped noses. Their fur is usually grey or grey-brown in colour, and their undersides are lighter than their backs. | Koalas are marsupials that live in Australia. They have dense fur, round bodies, fluffy ears, and large oval-shaped noses. Their fur is usually grey or grey-brown in colour, and their undersides are lighter than their backs. | ||
== Scientific name == | |||
Genus: ''Phascolarcto – phaskolos'' meaning pouched; ''arktos'' meaning bear (derived from Greek).<ref name=":1">Archived: [https://web.archive.org/web/20230503043118/https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/koalas/facts Koala facts] The Department of Environment and Science, Queensland</ref> | |||
Species: ''cinereus'' meaning ashy-grey (derived from Latin).<ref name=":1" /> | |||
== Eymology == | |||
The word koala is said to come from the Dharug peoples (whose traditional lands span the area from Parramatta to the Blue Mountains of New South Wales) word meaning ‘no water’. In South East Queensland, koalas are called dumbirrbi in the Jagera language, marrambi in the Yugarabul language, borobi in the Ugambeh language, and dumbribbi in the Turrbul language.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
== Anatomy == | == Anatomy == | ||
| Line 12: | Line 20: | ||
Koalas from the northern populations are typically smaller and lighter in colour than their counterparts further south. These populations possibly are separate subspecies, but this is disputed. | Koalas from the northern populations are typically smaller and lighter in colour than their counterparts further south. These populations possibly are separate subspecies, but this is disputed. | ||
== Threats to the | == Threats to the koala population== | ||
The koala has suffered dramatic population declines as a result of [[habitat loss]] and fragmentation, disease, vehicle collision mortality, dog attacks, bushfires and climate change. In 2012, koalas were officially declared vulnerable by the Australian government and listed as a threatened species. | The koala has suffered dramatic population declines as a result of [[habitat loss]] and fragmentation, disease, vehicle collision mortality, dog attacks, bushfires and climate change. In 2012, koalas were officially declared vulnerable by the Australian government and listed as a threatened species. | ||
On February 12, 2022, the koala was officially listed as endangered in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and Queensland.<ref>Archived: [https://web.archive.org/web/20230725020511/https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/species/koalas/listing-under-national-environmental-law Koala listing under national environmental law] Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water</ref> | |||
=== Habitat loss === | |||
Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to koalas. Since Europeans first settled in Australia in 1788, Australia’s eucalyptus forests have been vanishing at an alarming rate. More than four fifths of original Koala habitat has been destroyed.<ref name=":2">Archived:[https://web.archive.org/web/20230613015729/https://www.savethekoala.com/about-koalas/threats-to-the-koala/ Threats To The Koala] Australian Koala Foundation</ref> Clearing of the land for expansion of human settlement, for example, for agriculture, housing, mining, forestry, shops, factories and roads is the main cause of habitat loss.<ref name=":2" /> | |||
In South East Queensland, the human population is increasing by more than 1000 people a week. This rapid population growth and increased need for houses is placing considerable pressure on the limited remaining koala habitat.<ref>Archived: [https://web.archive.org/web/20230531093329/https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/koalas/threats Koala threats and how to help] Queensland Government</ref> As habitat patches become smaller and more fragmented, koalas are more likely to move through developed areas. | |||
=== Vehicle collision mortality === | |||
As habitat loss pushes koalas towards urban areas vehicle collisions become an increasing threat to koalas. According to the the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection in Queensland, Australia, more than 85% of koalas hit by a car die.<ref name=":3">[https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/86416/koalas-and-cars.pdf Living with Wildlife - Koalas] Department of Environment and Heritage Protection</ref> | |||
Koalas are particularly vulnerable to vehicle collisions because they are slow-moving animals and often cross roads at night when they are difficult to see.<ref name=":3" /> The risk of hitting a koala may be reduced by driving more slowly and scanning the roadsides for signs of movement—or by trying to avoid driving in areas where koalas occur at those times when they are most active.<ref name=":3" /> | |||
Efforts being made to reduce the number of vehicle collisions involving koalas include implementing speed limits and warning signs in areas where koalas are known to cross roads. | |||
=== Dog attacks === | |||
It is estimated that 300 koalas die each year in south-east Queensland alone as a result of dog attacks, making it the third most common cause of death after habitat clearing and vehicle strikes.<ref>http://wildcare.org.au/Documents/Koalas_and_dogs.pdf</ref> A survey of dog attacks in south-east Queensland has identified the key elements of the issue.<ref>http://wildcare.org.au/Documents/Koalas_and_dogs.pdf</ref> | |||
* Most attacks on koalas take place in the dog’s own backyard. | |||
* Not all dogs attack koalas. | |||
* Ninety-six percent of attacks on koalas were by dogs over 10kg. Generally, the larger the dog, the greater the likelihood that it could be responsible for a fatal attack on a koala. | |||
* Although dog attacks occur throughout the year, they are more likely to occur between July and September (peaking in September). This is when koalas are breeding and therefore more mobile. | |||
* If there are two or more dogs present at a property there is a higher incidence of attack. | |||
* Attacks on sick koalas are no more frequent than for healthy ones. | |||
=== Chlamydia === | === Chlamydia === | ||
| Line 31: | Line 61: | ||
*[[Wild Koala Day]] | *[[Wild Koala Day]] | ||
*[[Australian Koala Foundation]] | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
* [[wikipedia:Koala|Koala]] Wikipedia | * [[wikipedia:Koala|Koala]] Wikipedia | ||
* [https://www.savethekoala.com/ Australian Koala Foundation] | |||
== References == | == References == | ||