Queensland's koalas to be listed as vulnerable
Currently, koalas are only listed as vulnerable in the south east of Queensland.
The koala will soon be listed as 'vulnerable' across the state of Queensland, the Premier of Queensland has announced.
The reclassification will mean that more consideration will need to be given to koala habitats across Queensland, particularly in regard to potential impacts from development and resource activities.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her Government was putting science at the centre of its decisions and had accepted the recommendation of an independent panel of scientists to lift the conservation status of the koala.
"The decision, which is driven by scientific evidence, will bring Queensland's koala classification in line with the Commonwealth," Ms Palaszcuk said.
The koala is an iconic species that is threatened by climate change, habitat reduction, disease, motor vehicle strikes and attacks by dogs.
Currently, koalas are only listed as vulnerable in the south east of the country. The decision will apply the 'vulnerable' status across the State.
Queensland's environment minister Steven Miles said the decision would be welcomed by koala lovers and bring renewed focus to the koala's plight.
The Government also announced a 'Spot our Species' app, to encourage people to take photos of wildlife sightings and add them to the Atlas of Living Australia - a national database of all known native species.
It is hoped the initaive will increase awareness and understanding to the role people can play in conserving precious wildlife.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
