Groups to stop koala extinction

Craig Warhurst

IN AN unprecedented move, researchers from four Queensland universities, government, industry and interest groups have joined forces to stop the imminent extinction of koalas in south-east Queensland.

At an inaugural meeting in late January at The University of Queensland, the group, calling itself the Koala Research Network (KRN), agreed drastic action was urgently needed to preserve the species.

KRN spokesman and UQ School of Geography Planning and Environmental Management Associate Professor Clive McAlpine said something had to be done soon to save the koala.

“We are so concerned about the plight of koalas that we have taken the unprecedented step of banding together to share our research findings and collaborate to save this iconic species,” Prof McAlpine said.

“The 36 researchers from across the state agreed unanimously that koala populations face imminent local extinction, especially in coastal south-east Queensland, unless drastic actions are taken.”

The professor said the recent senseless shooting and subsequent death of “Doug” the baby Koala at Morayfield had generated widespread media attention both within Australia and overseas.