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Day 2

A tree is planted to protect koalas in Australia

Koalas - well-known, popular and yet soon extinct? Koalas - well-known, popular and yet soon extinct?

A tree is planted to protect koalas in Australia
Day 2
Food trees and migration corridors protect threatened species in Australia

Even though koalas are often compared to teddy bears or referred to as koala bears because of their large, fluffy ears and large noses, they are actually part of the group of marsupials. Unlike kangaroos, however, the koala's pouch is open at the bottom. Another special feature of these fascinating animals - which also contributed to their name - is that they rarely drink. They meet their fluid needs almost exclusively by eating water-rich eucalyptus leaves. The name "koala" comes from an Aboriginal language and means something like "without water" or "who doesn't drink". Even though the koala is a well-known symbol of Australia, few people are aware that they are unfortunately threatened with extinction.

Food trees and migration corridors protect threatened species in Australia
need
Feeding trees and migration corridors for endangered koalas in Australia.
activity
Volunteers plant native trees and shrubs to reforest the koalas’ habitat and thus secure their food source.
Measurable performance
Number of trees and shrubs that were planted through the donation for the protection of koalas.
Result
The koalas' habitat is being reforested so that they have sufficient foraging trees and safe migration corridors.
Systemically relevant impact
The koalas' chances of survival are improved. They find sufficient food and migration routes. They are also better protected by the population.
background

Australians are increasingly moving into the immediate vicinity of their native wild animals, such as koalas. This close proximity is becoming increasingly detrimental to koalas, as their habitat is becoming increasingly urbanized. As a result, they are faced with obstacles such as roads and houses, or they are tracked down and attacked by stray dogs. Several studies have been published with alarming results on the development of koala populations (EPA, 2007; DERM, 2009; NRMMC, 2009; DERM, 2012; Logan City Council, 2013). Scientific studies of one of the most important koala populations show a loss of over 50% (more than 2,300 animals) in just three years. It is feared that other koala populations will also experience similarly high loss rates.

The south-east of Queensland is one of the regions with the highest population growth. Although some protected areas have already been designated in the region, the majority of koala habitat is outside protected areas and on the outskirts of town. More and more areas are being designated as building sites at great speed, in close proximity to the koalas. This often leads to fatal collisions with cars and attacking dogs. In addition, climate change is threatening the survival of koalas (IUCN, 2009), as they are specialized in eating a few eucalyptus tree species. If the vegetation zones shift, they are at risk of losing their food source.

Redland City Area, Queensland, Australien
Day 2 Day 2
The good deed

Solutions must be found for good neighbourly coexistence between koalas and people in populated areas. The AGA is committed to ensuring that private and populated land is included in protection concepts, because it not only serves as a habitat for koalas, but is also used by them as a means of migration between protected areas. Increased public relations and educational work should also resolve conflict situations with dogs running loose. Often, simple behaviour, such as keeping dogs on a leash, can make a major contribution to the survival of koalas. The AGA carries out tree planting campaigns in the "Koala Coast" region with private landowners, volunteers and school classes. In this way, the koalas' habitat is reforested and migration corridors are created. The organisation also uses this opportunity to reach the population, inform them about their animal neighbours and promote appropriate coexistence. Every tree planted also counts when it comes to protecting the climate. In addition, migration corridors and sufficient suitable habitat help koalas to better adapt to shifts in vegetation zones caused by climate change.

AboutAustralia
Canberra
Canberra
Capital city
23 129 300
23 129 300
Population
61,219 USD
61,219 USD
Gross domestic product per capita per year
2
2
Human Development Index (Human Development Index)

Australia is one of the countries with the highest extinction rates in the last two centuries. Currently, more than 700 animal and plant species are threatened with extinction.

About the organization and further information

organization

Action Group for Species Protection (AGA) eV

Transparent Civil Society Initiative

Further links