Human Impact on
Biodiversity: Koala
Discover how the population of koalas are declining.
Table of contents
01 02 03
Introduction Koala Ecological
Characteristics Importance
04 05 06
Human Population Conclusion
interference
Introduction
Biodiversity and its importance:
● Biodiversity includes all life forms on Earth (plants, animals, fungi,
microorganisms).
● It's essential for ecosystem health, providing clean air, water, and
fertile soil.
● High biodiversity keeps ecosystems balanced, resilient, and stable.
● It provides resources like food, medicine, and materials, and regulates
climate and disease.
About Koalas:
● Habitat: Eucalyptus forests in eastern and southern Australia.
● Food: Primarily eucalyptus leaves; selective eaters.
● Adaptations: Strong limbs, unique thumbs for gripping branches; fur for temperature
regulation; digestive system handles eucalyptus toxins.
● Location: Native to eastern and southern coasts of Australia.
Koala Characteristics
● Common name: Koala
● Scientific name: Phascolarctos cinereus
● Domain: Eukaryote
● Taxonomic hierarchy of Koala:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Diprotodontia
Family: Phascolarctidae
Genus: Phascolarctos
Species: Phascolarctos cinereus
Ecological Importance of Koalas:
● Koalas contribute to the health of eucalyptus forests by feeding on leaves, which prevents overgrowth
and maintains the forest ecosystem.
● They help disperse eucalyptus seeds through their droppings, supporting the growth and expansion of
eucalyptus forests.
● The status of koala populations serves as an indicator of the overall health of their habitat, reflecting
changes in forest health and biodiversity.
● By consuming eucalyptus leaves, koalas help maintain the balance between different plant species,
which supports a diverse range of other plant and animal species.
● The eucalyptus trees that koalas inhabit provide essential habitat for many other species, making
koalas a key part of their ecosystem.
Human Interference
● Habitat destruction from clearing forests for agriculture and development reduces the space where
koalas can live and find food, leading to isolated and smaller habitats.
● Climate change alters the growth and health of eucalyptus trees, affecting the availability and quality of
food for koalas, which impacts their survival.
● Urbanization creates more roads and buildings, increasing traffic and causing accidents that can harm
koalas and reduce their safe living areas.
● Pollution from vehicles and industries harms eucalyptus trees and contaminates the environment,
degrading the quality of koala habitats and impacting their health.
● Bushfires, often exacerbated by climate change, destroy large areas of eucalyptus forests. These fires
not only eliminate koala habitat but also pose direct threats to their lives and disrupt their food supply.
● Human activities contribute to the spread of diseases such as chlamydia and koala retrovirus, which can
cause health problems and affect koala populations.
Population
● Population numbers have decreased significantly with some regions seeing more than a 50 percent
drop in two decades
● High mortality due to habitat destruction, bushfires, diseases like chlamydia, car accidents, and dog
attacks
● Climate change impacts eucalyptus leaves, which are koalas' main food source
● Koalas are now listed as vulnerable or endangered in several regions due to these ongoing threats
Conclusion
Koala populations are declining due to habitat destruction, bushfires, diseases, and climate
change. To save koalas, we must protect and restore their habitats, create wildlife corridors,
and reduce threats like car accidents and dog attacks. The government is working on
conservation programs, including stricter land-clearing laws, disease management, and
funding for research and rehabilitation. Efforts from communities and individuals are crucial
to ensure that koalas survive and thrive for future generations. By understanding their
importance, we can help protect this iconic species from extinction.
REFERENCES
● National Geographic
● WWF Australia
● Google images
● Google
● Australian Koala Foundation
