Many koala populations, including Phillip Island's, are under threat from habitat loss, dog attacks, and cars. As many populations decline, others, such as those on nearby French Island, are at risk through overpopulation of their limited habitat. This leads to over-browsing and destruction of the trees, threatening the koalas with starvation. Below are some simple things that you can do to help.

Habitat loss is the greatest threat facing koalas. There is an urgent need for habitat conservation and restoration, including wildlife corridors to link isolated patches of habitat.

• Become actively involved in efforts to restore habitat for koalas and other native animals.
• Join Friends of the Koalas or another environmental organisation that works to restore habitat.

• If you can't become actively involved, consider making a donation instead.

• Many koalas, including the one pictured, are mauled and killed by dogs. Don't allow your dog to roam at any time, and restrain it at night if koalas are likely to use trees on your property.
• Fencing that creates difficult barriers for koalas increases the likelihood of dog attacks and road kills. If you have high, smooth fencing around your property, consider growing trees against the fence to give koalas an escape route. Even a piece of wood placed at an angle against the fence could solve the problem.

On the road

• Take extra care when animals are most active. Koalas are active at night, particularly during the mating season between August and December. Other native species, such as kangaroos and wallabies, are most active at dawn and dusk.
• Take extra care when driving through well vegetated areas, especially those areas sign-posted for native animals.
• Be aware of the distance it takes to stop your car at high speed.
• Use high beam when driving at night and slow down if you need to dip your headlights for other motorists.
• Don't drive if you are fatigued.
• If you do hit a koala or find an injured, sick, or dead animal, please stop and help. Information on how to assist is available on the Koala Watch page.

Site last updated Spring 2009. © Friends of the Koalas