On French Island in Victoria’s Western Port Bay, koalas are facing a crisis. Eucalyptus trees, their main food source, have been nearly stripped bare, leading to tragic reports of starving and dead koalas. Instead of the usual solitary existence, multiple koalas are now crowding single trees, a sign of desperation.
These animals were brought to French Island in the 1880s to protect them from hunting, which had nearly wiped them out. Without predators or diseases like chlamydia, the population boomed. But now, the situation is paradoxical: while koalas are thriving on French Island, populations are declining in northeastern Australia.
Current Population Trends
Recent estimates from the CSIRO suggest that Australia has between 729,000 to 918,000 koalas, a significant increase from 2023 figures of about 287,000 to 628,000. However, researchers caution that these numbers reflect improved survey methods rather than real growth in the koala population.
In places like South Australia’s Mount Lofty Ranges, koalas are thriving due to favorable conditions like good rainfall and soil quality. Dr. Frédérik Saltré, an ecology expert, notes that this success may turn problematic. His study predicts that the koala population in this region could increase by 17% to 25% in 25 years, risking overpopulation issues.
“Too many koalas can lead to ecological problems,” Saltré warns. They might have trouble finding enough food, which can lead to starvation.
The Koala’s Food Choice
Interestingly, koalas are very picky eaters. Of over 800 species of eucalyptus, they only consume about 50. Some regions, like Kangaroo Island and Victorian plantations, have become unintended havens because they host koalas’ preferred food trees, notably manna gum, known for its rich nutrients.
However, the dynamics can shift. In Queensland and New South Wales, koalas have been declared endangered due to habitat loss from land clearing, disease, and urban development. In fact, nearly 2 million hectares of forests suitable for koalas have been lost since 2011, 81% of which was in Queensland.
“Habitat loss is the biggest issue,” says Associate Professor Desley Whisson. Climate change, too, poses a growing threat with increased droughts and severe wildfires impacting their habitats.
Management Challenges
Addressing overpopulation is complex. Moving some koalas to different areas can be costly and isn’t always effective. The idea of culling them is largely off the table, given their popularity in Australia.
Fertility control through sterilization has been explored since the 1990s. Saltré’s research suggests that sterilizing around 22% of adult females annually in high-density areas could stabilize populations. This approach is more cost-effective in the long run, though it requires time—up to 15 years for noticeable results.
Community conversations on social media reflect the divisive nature of these management strategies. Some advocate for aggressive measures to control the population, while others emphasize the need for habitat restoration.
Future Directions
Both declining and growing koala populations highlight the need for habitat restoration. In response to these issues, the Australian government announced a new national park aimed at protecting koalas and their habitats. Larger areas of mixed forest could prevent overabundance and ensure that koalas remain part of the Australian landscape for future generations.
Experts agree that balancing these populations while restoring habitats is essential. As climate patterns shift, southern Australia may become more critical for koala survival. The path ahead requires collaboration and innovative approaches to ensure these beloved creatures can thrive sustainably.
