ScienceVictoria’s koalas in chronically poor health, population half previous estimate

A report completed for Victoria’s government found a higher-than-expected share of koalas in chronically poor health and welfare across seven regions. It estimated 217,000 koalas in 2023 and 224,800 in 2024, compared with a previous estimate of 460,000 because of different methods. Of 68 koalas assessed, 29 were euthanised on welfare grounds. The government delayed publication for more than a year before announcing $2.6m for conservation.

Victoriakoalaswildlife healthconservation

TThe Guardian★★★☆☆2026-09-09 20:23Original