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Koalas Face Extinction by Climate, Chlamydia?

Changing world strips diet-staple eucalyptus of nutrients

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 12, 2009 10:28 AM CST
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(Newser) – Australia's koalas face extinction as their population has been decimated by climate change and the loss of trees due to development and wildfires. Six years ago, they were thought to number more than 100,000; today, their count is as low as 43,000. Threats to their diet of eucalyptus leaves are part of the problem—“It's really no tree, no me,” an environmentalist says. Curiously, the BBC also reports that chlamydia has been responsible for many koala deaths.

Advocates hope to have the koala listed as an endangered species, but even the cuddly critter’s place in many Australians’ hearts doesn’t appear to be of any help. The nation’s endangered species organization won’t consider the animal’s plight until next year, and dispassionately, at that. “We’d consider the koala with the same level of diligence and dedication as if it were a death adder,” an official says.

A mother and baby koala are seen at the Sydney Wildlife World in Sydney, Australia.
A mother and baby koala are seen at the Sydney Wildlife World in Sydney, Australia.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
Spudsy
Nov 13, 2009 3:10 AM CST
Wild animals can have chlamydia? I better get checked.
schmidtkoff
Nov 12, 2009 11:23 AM CST
!@ dark - there are many organizations for the preservation of lesser creatures. remember the snail darter? in any case it is our obligation to do whatever we can to stop extinctions of animals and habitats. i applaud those who fight the good fight. i'm not on the front lines but i contribute to their causes.
schmidtkoff
Nov 12, 2009 10:58 AM CST
i would hope that dontlike is referring to "the nation’s endangered species organization won’t consider the animal’s plight until next year, and dispassionately, at that. “We’d consider the koala with the same level of diligence and dedication as if it were a death adder,” an official says. please say this is so dontlike and redeem yourself. for once.
Green • World

 
climate change • endangered species • Australia • extinction • deforestation • chlamydia • koala • eucalyptus

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