Protecting a Pocket Population of Endangered Koalas in Australia
- Nature Conservation
- Mammal Assemblages
- Iconic Species
- Ecosystem Restoration
- Women
- Science & Technology
- Biodiversity
- Education & Awareness
- Australia
- Australasia Realm
| Bioregion | East Australian Temperate Forests & Mountain Shrublands (AU3) |
| Category | Nature Conservation Our project categories represent one of three core solutions pathways to solving climate change. Energy Transition focuses on renewable energy access and energy efficiency. Nature Conservation includes wildlife habitat protection and ecosystem restoration, as well as Indigenous land rights. Regenerative Agriculture supports farmers, ranchers, and community agriculture. |
| Realm | Australasia The Project Marketplace is organized by the major terrestrial realms divided into 14 biogeographical regions – N. America, Subarctic America, C. America, S. America, Afrotropics, Indomalaya, Australasia, Oceania, Antarctica, and the Palearctic realm, which coincides with Eurasia and is divided into Subarctic, Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern regions. |
| Status | active Seed indicates an early stage project that needs some level of support to develop into a larger funding proposal. Active indicates any project that needs core programmatic funding. Urgent indicates a short-term project initiated in response to a natural disaster or other impending risk. |
| Partner | Aussie Ark |
The One Earth Project Marketplace funds on-the-ground climate solutions that are key to solving the climate crisis through three pillars of collective action — renewable energy, nature conservation, and regenerative agriculture. This project safeguards koalas and 12 other species native to Australia.
Cherished and iconic koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are in trouble, teetering on the edge of extinction. Their once-abundant habitats are rapidly dwindling due to rampant destruction, fragmentation, and land clearing.
But the challenges don’t end there. These beloved creatures face grave risks from vehicle strikes, attacks by domestic pets, and the relentless threats posed by foxes and cats. Furthermore, the insidious presence of diseases like KoRV and Chlamydia prevents these marsupials from breeding, pushing them perilously closer to the brink.
Image credit: Courtesy of Aussie Ark
On a mission to protect Australia’s wildlife
Amidst this grim backdrop, Australia Wildlife Ark ("Aussie Ark"), the largest independent conservation organization in New South Wales, emerges as a beacon of hope. With a commendable 12-year track record, Aussie Ark has achieved remarkable success in establishing secure populations of the Tasmanian devil and has since expanded its conservation efforts to encompass 15 species across its Barrington Tops Sanctuary and Australian Reptile Park facilities.
Through these efforts, a grand vision unfolds: safeguard the continent's threatened species by establishing robust insurance populations, fostering healthy ecosystems within their sanctuaries, and nurturing tangible outcomes for the species under their care. As a proactive, professional, transparent, and highly effective organization, Aussie Ark envisions a future where wildlife thrives against all odds.
Preserving a national icon
The Koala Disease Management Project assumes a pivotal role within this overarching vision. This critical initiative aims to create the first Chlamydia disease-free koala population, breathing new life into an endangered native icon.
Safe within the boundaries of the 400-hectare Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary, koalas thrive in a protected environment reminiscent of the pre-European era. Shielded from the perils of cars, foxes, dogs, habitat destruction, and ravaging bushfires, they can rediscover the peace and security they once enjoyed.
Image credit: Courtesy of Aussie Ark
A care team united for a cause
Conservation Manager Hayley Shute leads the charge, accompanied by an expert team of specialized wildlife keepers at Aussie Ark. Working in close collaboration with the Australian Government and esteemed academics. They ensure the highest level of animal welfare while monitoring and treating the koala population within the sanctuary.
The team aims to develop a model for successful disease management in koala populations across Eastern Australia. By sharing their knowledge, Aussie Ark seeks to benefit conservationists, ecologists, academic institutions, and other conservation facilities, fostering collective efforts to safeguard the koala as a species.
Supporting all the animals at Aussie Ark
While the Koala Disease Management Project holds immense promise, it is just one facet of Aussie Ark's ongoing efforts. Support for this project helps the survival of koalas and the 12 other focus species that Aussie Ark tirelessly works to protect.
Currently, this dedicated team manages a population of 700 individuals spanning these species groups. Additionally, support aids the restoration of the 400-hectare sanctuary, which involves the removal of feral animals and plants, as well as the re-establishment of native species through extensive revegetation efforts.
Image credit: Courtesy of Aussie Ark
Safeguarding one species benefits all
Every species on Earth plays a vital role in its ecosystem, helping balance the interconnected planet. By creating a healthy, disease-free, and thriving koala population within the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary, the “guardians of eucalyptus forests” can be saved.
Each step toward preserving the environment is one step closer to securing a brighter future for all. Join the mission to safeguard this iconic species!