New research shows a disturbing statistic on koalas being lost to accidents and disease. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket helps rehabilitate as many as it can, but data shows thousands are being admitted to wildlife hospitals every year.
Research published in Society and Animals on 4 September 2024 shows that over a 22-year period, 50,858 koalas were admitted to wildlife hospitals, and the majority had to be put down despite the best efforts of veterinarians and carers. The research highlights habitat loss, car strikes, and chlamydia as the leading causes of admission.
Euthanasia: The Most Common Outcome
The data shows that only 25% of koalas admitted to veterinary hospitals were released back into suitable habitats, with euthanasia being the most common outcome. PhD candidate Renae Charalambous, from the University of Queensland, explained that diseases like chlamydia accounted for nearly 30% of hospital admissions, followed by injuries from motor vehicle accidents and dog attacks.
Koalas hit by cars were four times more likely to be found dead than treated and released, and those who did make it to the hospital were three times more likely to be euthanised than saved.
Adult koalas and females were particularly vulnerable, with chlamydia being a key factor in the decision to euthanise many of the admitted animals. The statistics present a bleak picture for the survival of koalas in Queensland, with researchers emphasising the importance of addressing these threats through conservation efforts.
Vaccination as a Ray of Hope
In a related study, koalas monitored in the Moreton Bay region were part of a 10-year vaccination program targeting chlamydia, a significant threat to the species. The research demonstrated that vaccinated koalas had a 64% reduction in chlamydial-related deaths compared to unvaccinated koalas. Lone Pine Sanctuary, along with other wildlife organisations, supported these trials, offering crucial help in managing the health of local koala populations.
Vaccinated koalas not only showed lower disease incidence but also increased survival rates, particularly during their breeding years. Researchers emphasised that while vaccination alone cannot solve the issue, it is a critical tool when combined with other strategies like habitat protection and road safety improvements.
Future Conservation Efforts
With koalas officially listed as endangered in Queensland in 2022, researchers like Ms Charalambous stress the need for a holistic approach to conservation. She believes that while the survival odds for koalas are grim, there is still time to reverse the decline if conservation policies target the main threats.
“It’s not too late to restore the region’s healthy koala populations and this is a great opportunity to holistically address and minimise the threats they face,” Ms Charalambous said.
“I hope this research sheds light on policy gaps so decision makers can target intervention strategies to save the koalas we have left.”
Lone Pine Sanctuary continues to be a key partner in these efforts, helping to rehabilitate koalas affected by disease and injury. The centre’s involvement and contributions from veterinary hospitals and other wildlife centres highlight the importance of community-focused conservation strategies.
Published 12-Sept-2024
