Koalas May Be Classified as 'Endangered Species' Due to Australian Bushfires

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Due to the Australian wildfires that have continued for over three months, koalas in some areas are expected to be classified as endangered species.

On the 13th (local time), according to Bloomberg News, Susan Ley, Australia's Federal Minister for the Environment, announced a fund-raising plan worth 35 million dollars (approximately 40.4 billion KRW) for the protection and restoration of wildlife habitats.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Minister Ley said on the same day, "In some areas, koalas are in such a crisis that it is necessary to determine whether they must leave their habitats."

The Australian wildfires, which have lasted for over three months, destroyed a vast forest area twice the size of Switzerland. As a result, it is estimated that one billion individual animals, including not only koalas but also various birds, mammals, and reptiles, have been affected. Minister Ley announced, "It is estimated that about 30% of the koalas living on the mid-north coast of New South Wales have died due to these wildfires."

Meanwhile, according to the Australian Koala Foundation, as of 2018, the koala population was estimated to be between a minimum of 48,000 and a maximum of 86,000 individuals.

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