Koala Populations have dwindled since European settlement, today the Australian Koala Foundation estimates there is less than 80 000 koalas left in the wild. In April 2012 the koala was deemed a vulnerable species and further identified as a critically endangered species in the SEQ region.
Many Factors as highlighted in the causal loop diagram have played a role in leading to the high death rate of koalas in the wild. Habitat loss and consequently fragmentation have been a key problem that have resulted in a number of flow on effects threatening the koala's survival.
While government plans and acts are in place, they are often superseded by new development plans that accomodate for Australia's growing population. It is imperative initiatives are implemented to see an increase in the koala population to ensure this iconic species does not become extinct.
REFERENCES Adams-Hosking, C. (2012). Food for thought (and survival). Retrieved from http://www.decision-point.com.au/images/DPoint_files/DPoint_59/dpoint_59.pdf#view=Fit&pagemode=bookmarks&page=14
Four Corners (2012). Koala Crunch Time. [video online] Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2012/08/16/3569231.htm.
Fynes-Clinton, M. (2012). blinky on the brink. Qweekend, 5 May, pp.19-25. Retrieved from http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/courses/1/UDB101_13se1/content/_4625357_1/koalas.pdf
Hennessey, Carly. 2011 "Road to survival now field of battle" The Sunday Mail (Brisbane Courier Mail) April 24. p 5.
McAlpine, C. & Adams-Hosking, C. (2013) The koala in the coalmine. The Conversation 13 Feb. Retrieved from http://theconversation.edu.au/the-koala-in-the- coalmine-11693
Savethekoala.com
(2012). The Koala - Endangered or Not? | Australian Koala Foundation.
Retrieved from https://www.savethekoala.com/about- koalas/koala-endangered-or-not