Information about Koala, Australia

Australia is the only country in the world where wild koalas are found. They live in the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. The map shows where koalas used to live at the time of European settlement in 1788, and where they are found today

Koalas do not harm anyone. They live in our backyards. It's up to us to keep them alive and healthy in the bush. The koala is Australia’s living icon.

Living with Koalas

Koalas in the wild face a series of threats to their continued survival. A major threat is the continuing urbanisation of their habitat and associated threats like cars and dogs. Over 4,000 koalas are killed each year by dogs and cars alone. In addition, stress caused by the loss of their habitat causes symptoms of diseases like chlamydia. Approximately 80% of original koala habitat has already been destroyed. This has forced koalas to live alongside people in urban areas, and means that property owners have a special responsibility to take the particular needs of koalas into consideration in their lifestyle.

Because most koala habitat is on private land, people living in areas with koalas can have a great influence on whether koala populations in their area survive or become extinct. It is their responsibility, along with government at all levels, to assist in preserving this precious resource. Because much of the koala’s habitat is zoned residential, or is in farming areas, their future is largely dependent upon the attitude of property owners.

Get more information about Koala, Australia

Other Animals in Australia

- Australia's kangaroos
Kangaroos are native to the Australian continent and to parts of Papua New Guinea. Most species are only found in Australia.