Nature, culture and history
Natural environment
Daisy Hill Conservation Park protects habitat for threatened koalas. Photo: DERM.
Koalas
Koalas are a threatened species in the South East Queensland bioregion, which stretches from the New South Wales border north to Gladstone and west to Toowoomba. In March 2004, the koala was listed as a vulnerable species in this bioregion, under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, because of a significant decline in the numbers of animals in the wild.
Koalas are common throughout the rest of Queensland but this could change unless care is taken to protect their remaining habitat and reduce some of the threats posed by people. Many koalas are killed or injured by vehicle strikes or dog attacks, some drown in backyard pools and others are affected by disease or natural predators.
In 2008, the Queensland Government commenced its Koala Response Strategy. This strategy aims to halt the serious decline of koalas in South East Queensland and expand their habitat by 2020.
Last updated 22 December 2011