Threats
Koalas face several threats in the Gympie Region. By addressing these threats and implementing
proactive solutions, we can contribute to the well-being and conservation of our local koalas.
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Habitat loss through land clearing poses the most significant threat to the koalas’ long-term survival. These activities destroy vital food and shelter, fragment habitats and populations, increase risks as koalas are forced to move between isolated areas, and reduce gene flow essential for healthy populations.
Domestic Dogs
Dogs and koala encounters often result in koala fatalities. A single dog bite can seriously injure or kill a koala.
Disease
Chlamydia and koala retrovirus affect health and reproduction.
Vehicle Strikes
Our roads cut through koala habitat.
Vehicle strikes causing koala injury and death happens all year round but particularly during breeding season.
Climate change
Rising temperatures and more frequent droughts may reduce water and leaf moisture and palatability, making it harder for koalas to maintain their body temperature and survive.
Fences
Some fencing can impede koala and other wildlife movement and can cause entanglement and injury.
Weeds
Invasive weeds such as cat’s claw and lantana change habitat structure and function, increase fire risk, and likely affect koala populations and their use of the area.
Farm Animals
Cattle and horses may injure or kill koalas if encountered in paddocks.
Image credit: Care4Esk
Image credit: RSPCA Queensland
Bush Fires
As arboreal mammals, koalas are highly vulnerable to bushfires, which can cause fatalities and destroy vital habitat, reducing food and shelter.
