As koalas edge toward extinction, Australians are banding together in a desperate bid to save their habitat - by planting 100,000 eucalyptus trees
- Volunteers in New South Wale's north coast are working to keep koalas safe
- Groups are planting 50km worth of food trees for koalas to access
- These groups care for injured koalas until they are ready to return to the wild
Australia's favourite animal is under threat of extinction but volunteer groups are on a mission to save the cuddly koala.
Groups such as Bangalow Koala's and Friends of the Koala in the northern rivers of New South Wales are dedicated to protecting the species and providing safe homes for them.
Australia's loss of animal species has been called an 'Extinction crisis' by the World Wildlife Fund but 'people power' is fighting to keep the koalas alive.
Australia's favourite animal, the koala, is under threat of extinction
A report by the Senate Standing Committees of Environment and Communications revealed that of the 10 million koalas in Australia that were around during European settlement, only 50,000 remain.
This news has prompted Bangalow Koalas, a volunteer based group, to begin planting food trees for koalas along a wildlife corridor that will stretch 50km from Byron Bay to Lismore.
The trees will ensure the animals have access to food in a safe environment.
Over the past 18 months the group has planted 12,000 trees, with the goal being to plant 100,000 by 2025.
Friends of the Koala (pictured) are responsible for around 400 koala rescues each year, caring for them until they are ready to return to the wild.
Volunteer groups in New South Wales' northern rivers are planting trees and caring for koalas to ensure they do not become extinct
'We are not worried about getting governments to help us. We are just doing it. We've got people constantly contacting us saying they want to join the corridor,' Bangalow Koala President Linda Sparrow said.
After witnessing the deaths of many koalas from road accidents, Ms Sparrow has also created an online fundraiser to raise money for better signage so drivers are aware there are wildlife in the area.
Within three days she has raised nearly $1000.
Friends of the Koala, a volunteer based group in Lismore are also joining the mission to keep koalas safe.
Deaths of koalas are related to car accidents, habitat destruction and dog attacks
President Ros Irwin said deaths of koalas are usually a result of road accidents, dog attacks and habitat destruction.
The organisation is responsible for around 400 koala rescues each year, caring for them until they are ready to return to the wild.
'Every animal is worth saving, regardless of the various statements about their long-term future,' Ms Irwin said.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare recognised the good work Friends of the Koala do and even funded a nurse to work part time alongside the volunteers.
The addition of nurse Marley Christian was a huge deal for the group and meant that koalas who needed care would receive immediate medical attention and have a better chance to return to the wild.
Friends of the Koala have been able to take on a part time nurse to help care for the animals and ensure they can return to the wild (pictured is nurse Marley Christian)
Deborah Tabart, chair of the Australian Koala Foundation, said that although people power was beneficial, unless the government stopped deforestation, volunteer groups wouldn't be able to achieve long term results.
'I am all for communities repairing damage, but if the deforestation doesn't stop then people will never get on top of it,' Ms Tabart said.
'Only legislation will control the onslaught of the bulldozers.'
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