Australia’s rate of species extinction has people concerned about animals native to the country. Peter Garrett, the Environment Minister, has announced they will be assessing the conservation status of about twenty animals with particular interest to both the Tasmanian Devil and the national icon, the Koala. Although, at its last assessment the Koala did not meet the criteria to be protected under current legislation, this time may prove to be different as the Environment Minister has urged that a thorough re-assessment to be completed.

Even if the koalas are found not to meet the guidelines necessary to be protected as an endangered species, the government recognizes that some local populations of koalas are endangered due to loss of habitat and diminishing food sources. Housing development, bushfires, dog attacks, cars and disease are all threatening the survival of the koala throughout local areas within Australia.

We can only hope the government will get serious about preventing further endangerment to the koala.