Will Koalas Survive East of the Great Divide?
Lorraine Vass looks out her study window and watches Koalas come and go. Lorraine is President of the Friends of the Koala, a Lismore-based group helping injured koalas in the Border Ranges region of the Great Eastern Ranges.
Friends of the Koala is licensed to rescue and help injured animals, and has over 300 members.
Koalas are widely distributed throughout the Border Ranges. Some live in the region’s untouched forests, but many are found in areas fragmented by development. Loss of habitat, disease and stress are major threats to the Koala's long-term survival. Road traffic and dog attacks also pose mortal dangers.
The Friends care for more Koalas each year. In the 12 months to Nobember 2009 there were more than 640 reports of distressed animals – with over 300 treated.
'The jury is still out if the Koala will survive east of the Great Divide', says Lorraine. 'And that is a real challenge for all of us.'
Lorraine believes connecting landscapes are crucial to the Koala’s long-term survival. As the climate changes they must be able to move between areas to maintain their genetic health.
The Friends are committed to helping the Koala because of its unique place in the life of Australia.
'If everybody in Australia does something for the environment, Koalas, and other wildlife in our landscape – just do something they were comfortable with – our national wellbeing would be so much better off.'
