Information about koalas, their physiology, behaviour, diet and density has been gathered since early settlement and a pattern has emerged over time. There is now clear statistical evidence showing dramatic declines in koala populations across Queensland. The reasons for this decline varies over time.
A report undertaken by Uniquest – SEQ Koala Population Modelling Study in 2015 showed a decline in densities of around 80% in the Koala Coast (Redlands) and 54% in the former Pine Rivers Shire between 1996 and 2014, despite current protection measures. In fact, rather than a showing of the rate of decline there was evidence to suggest the rate of decline had actually accelerated.
This decline is related to many factors including indigenous practices prior to White Settlement, the Fur Trade, Habitat Loss and Fragmentation, Drought, Bushfires, Motor Vehicle Strike, Animal Predation and Disease.
More in depth details will be provided for each of these factors. |