Why are koalas protected?

Answer 1

Almost all Australian native mammals are protected. This includes the many species of bats (our only native placental mammals), all the marsupials, and the monotremes.

In the past, various species, including the koala, have been exploited for their fur or skins. Koala populations fell dramatically as a result, and in some areas were wiped out completely.

Laws were brought in to protect our species - although it hasn't stopped black marketeers from exploiting some and selling them as exotic pets overseas, such as the harmless, delicate sugar glider.

The koala needs a specific environment to survive, including a limited range of eucalyptus trees. Without at least somelaws in place, the population could easily be wiped out. For example, urban sprawl and development has resulted in the loss of koala populations non the central NSW coast, whilst the koalas population of southeast Queensland has fallen by 60% in the past decade.

Answer 2

Koalas and emus are important to Australia because they are native to that country and continent.

The emu is on the Australian coat-of-arms, together with the kangaroo, while the koala is the faunal emblem for the state of Queensland.

Answer 3

Koalas are important to Australia because they are native to that country and continent. They are not found anywhere else in the world (except in certain zoos, which have special permission) and their features are very unique. They are the only surviving members of their family phascolarctidae.

The koala is also the faunal emblem for the state of Queensland.

Answer 4

Koalas are very cute. Consequently they contribute to the Australian tourist industry.