Koalas 'could face extinction'

[ccharles000]

Australia's koalas could be wiped out within 30 years unless urgent action is taken to halt a decline in population, according to researchers.

They say development, climate change and bushfires have all combined to send the numbers of wild koalas plummeting.

The Australian Koala Foundation said a recent survey showed the population could have dropped by more than half in the past six years.

Many have been killed by the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia.

Previous estimates put the number of koalas at more than 100,000 - but the latest calculations suggest there could now be as few as 43,000.

The foundation collected field data from 1,800 sites and 80,000 trees to calculate the numbers.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8352107.stm

[KansDem]

1. Remember this little guy?

They're sooooo cute!

...but don't attempt this at home!

[dionysus]

2. that was the first thing that came to mind.

[Uncle Joe]

4. That was a particularly poignant pic.

Thanks to ccharles for the thread.

[JonQ]

3. Wrap up guys

or wait until marriage.

[dana_b]

5. my friend sent me these today:

AT 120 DEGREES IN AUSTRALIA , IT WAS SO HOT FOR A WEEK THAT KOALAS WERE ASKING PEOPLE FOR WATER. IT'S NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE.






ONE WENT TO A HOUSE TO TRY TO HIDE FROM THE HEAT AND TO GET A BIT OF SHADE AND HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE OWNER GAVE HIM SOMETHING TO DRINK. IT'S REALLY CUTE.