19 June 2017

IN PHOTOS: KOALAS WITH NOWHERE TO GO

WWF-Australia has been working to raise awareness of the devastating impact excessive tree-clearing has on koalas and other native wildlife. Through our research, we have been thrilled to meet dedicated wildlife carers such as Clare from Return to the Wild Inc, who are on the front line when it comes to rescuing our precious species.

For over 30 years Clare has saved and returned to the wild hundreds of our iconic marsupials. Sadly, due to excessive tree-clearing she's seeing more and more of them with nowhere to go.

These are just some of the photos Clare has taken during her time in-the-field.

Koala injured by cattle, southeast Queensland
Koala injured by cattle, southeast Queensland © Clare Gover, Return to the Wild Inc. / WWF-Aus

This koala was tossed and bitten by cattle while it was trying to cross the paddock. Sadly, its internal injuries were too severe for it to be saved.

Koala on suburban fence, South East Queensland
Koala on suburban fence, South East Queensland © Clare Gover, Return to the Wild Inc / WWF-Au

This male koala was chased by dogs and thankfully found shelter on a suburban fence.

Adult koalas like this one often have to seek new habitat to find fresh food or a mate. Fragmentation of their habitat means they're spending more time on the ground, leaving them highly vulnerable to dogs and cars.

Koala taking refuge on suburban fence, South East Queensland
Koala taking refuge on suburban fence, South East Queensland © Clare Gover, Return to the Wild Inc. / WWF-Aus

Nearby housing development on the Darling Downs left this koala unable to find trees for food or shelter.

Koala on top of a local sign, southeast Queensland
Koala on top of a local sign, southeast Queensland © Clare Gover, Return to the Wild Inc. / WWF-Aus

A sign of the times: this koala has been chased by dogs up a local sign. Excessive tree-clearing in this area could be leading koalas to search for new homes.

Koala taking refuge on a power pole, South East Queensland
Koala taking refuge on a power pole, South East Queensland © Clare Gover, Return to the Wild Inc / WWF-Au

Power poles are an example of yet another unusual place where koalas find refuge.

Koalas face many dangers when trying to cross from one pocket of fragmented trees to another. This particular koala was attacked by dogs and finally found dubious safety clinging to a barbed-wire fence.
Koalas face many dangers when trying to cross from one pocket of fragmented trees to another. This particular koala was attacked by dogs and finally found dubious safety clinging to a barbed-wire fence. © Clare Gover, Return to the Wild Inc / WWF-Au

Koalas face many dangers when trying to cross from one pocket of fragmented trees to another. This particular koala was attacked by dogs and finally found dubious safety clinging to a barbed-wire fence.

Koalas regularly fall victims to cars and trucks as they attempt to cross open roads in search of food or habitat. Sadly, mothers may be killed leaving their young orphaned. If found in time, they can be nursed by wildlife carers such as Clare.

Rescued koala joey in hands, southeast Queensland
Rescued koala joey in hands, southeast Queensland © Clare Gover, Return to the Wild Inc. / WWF-Aus