Population Trends and the Koala Conservation Debate

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1739.2000.99387.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-11T08:57:18Z
• Authors: Stephen S. Phillips
• Keywords: Population decline

Abstract: A critical issue affecting the long‐term management of koalas is their perceived conservation status. Koalas still occur in many areas throughout historical range, but numbers animals are estimated to vary from <100,000 at least one order magnitude higher. Complex factors limit free‐ranging koala populations, including food tree preferences, history disturbance, and Chlamydia infection, all which make longer‐term population trends populations difficult predict. Lack consensus regarding size viability remaining extent reasons for decline, overabundance or some instances, hinders task. reappraisal suggests that, notwithstanding localized issues Victoria South Australia, overall species “vulnerable” on basis current World Conservation Union criteria. Recommendations more effective include (1) acknowledging legitimacy differing perspectives, (2) recognizing uncertainty assumptions inherent estimates trends, (3) applying greater rigor developing better standards monitoring (4) being cautious assigning status national, state, regional populations.