Four of the 10 koalas that died in the Lismore area in northern NSW this week. Photo: Marley Christian/Friends of the Koala
Growing concerns about the future of koalas have prompted a conservation group to release an action list to help prevent the species from becoming extinct.
Friends of the Koala is based in Lismore on the New South Wales north coast, where 10 koalas died within three days earlier this week as a result of animal attacks or car strikes.
President Ros Irwin said the campaign was aimed at landowners and the general public.
“Politicians are not going to save us on this one, but people can,” she said.
“These are simple things that people can do to make a difference.”
Reducing speed in koala areas can reduce the number of koalas killed by vehicles. Photo: Linda Sparrow/Bangalow Koalas
The steps suggested by Friends of the Koala include:
Most rescues are reported by mobile phone.
Friends of the Koala is enlisting the support of the public to help save koalas. Photo: Friends of the Koala
New South Wales Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said the State Government had already committed $45 million to a koala conservation strategy.
“This was no gimmick,” she said. “This was something that responded to the chief scientist’s report.
“It addresses the koalas’ future in so many ways.
“We have the land acquisitions that we’re making. We have over 24,000 hectares that have been dedicated to flora reserves for the koala, for its future.”
–ABC