Rescue groups band together to halt decline in koala numbers

Koala numbers are dropping drastically across the Moreton Bay region and rescue groups are banding together to find a solution.

Moreton Bay Koala Rescue Inc. representative Vanda Grabowski with Nessie

KOALA numbers across the Moreton Bay region are dropping dramatically - and rescue groups are banding together to help find a solution.

Vanda Grabowski, from Moreton Bay Koala Rescue, said the region had lost more than 47 per cent its koalas since 2007 - with the biggest decline being in Pine Rivers.

“There was a 54 per cent loss in Pine Rivers between 1996 and 2014 despite current protection measures,” she said.

“In fact, rather than a slowing of the rate of decline, there was some evidence to suggest the rate of decline had actually accelerated.

“Loss of koala habitat is considered to be the threat having the greatest impact on koala conservation and that urban development is the primary cause of habitat loss.”

Moreton Bay Koala Rescue Inc. representative Vanda Grabowski with Nessie

Moreton Bay Koala Rescue (MBKR) is hosting Wild Koala Day this weekend - supported by organisations including Koala Action Inc (KAI) and Queensland Koala Crusaders (QKC) to engage the community and raise awareness about the threats facing koalas and other wildlife.

Ms Grabowski said they were calling on the community to join their fight.

“Habitat loss and fragmentation forces koalas to the ground in search of food, shelter and dispersal opportunities,” she said.

“Koalas are then at risk of being struck by motor vehicles and attacked by domestic, wild and feral animals.

“We need the communities help to make sure all levels of government create stronger laws that allow our children and our children’s children to see wild koalas.”

Wild Koala Day will be hosted on Saturday, May 4 from 9am-2pm at the Caboolture Show Grounds.

Entry fee will be a gold coin donation.

Head along for food stalls, handmade fundraising items, wildlife displays, jumping castles, face painting, craft activities and presentations.