Koalas could be extinct in 30 years: conservationists - 紐澳

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091110/sc_afp/australiaanimalconservationkoala

SYDNEY (AFP) – Australia's koalas could be extinct in 30 years,
conservationists warned Tuesday, calling for the iconic creatures to be
declared an endangered species.

The Australian Koala Foundation said a recent survey indicated numbers may
have plunged by more than half in the past six years due to climate change,
disease and over-development.

The study showed there were between 43,000 and 80,000 koalas on mainland
Australia, down from an estimated 100,000 in 2003, said Foundation chief
Deborah Tabart.

"We're saying (numbers) could be as low as 43,000 and as high as 80,000,
Tabart told public broadcaster ABC Radio.

Large numbers have been killed by an outbreak of chlamydia, a sexually
transmitted disease, while others have been affected by loss of habitat due
to deforestation and climate change, Tabart said.

Hotter, drier conditions had reduced the nutritional value of their staple
food, eucalyptus leaves, leading to fatal malnutrition, she said.

"I really think climate change is starting to affect koala populations," she
said.

Tabart said the findings, which were based on surveys of almost 2,000 forest
sites, pointed to total extinction of the species within 30 years without
government action.

Conservation groups unsuccessfully tried to have the animals declared a
vulnerable species in 2006, but Tabart said the new data was proof of a
"drastic decline".

"There has been a great deal of opposition to the protection of the koala
over many years and I think that still exists," she said.

Researcher Bill Ellis said he'd found evidence of localised extinctions and
there were "major declines in populations" along the east coast.

The government's threatened species committee was due to make a recommendation
by mid-2010, but representative Bob Beeton said they would not be swayed by
its status as one of the country's favourite animals.

"There's a number of species which are charismatic and emotionally charged.
We don't consider that," said Beeton.

"I mean, we'd consider the koala with the same level of diligence and
dedication as if it were the death adder."

--
Tasmania devil 也面臨 Facial tumor 的傳染病，數量慢慢在減少…
另外中國把 Koala 翻成「考拉」...=,=

--