WWF-AUSTRALIA STATEMENT ON KOALAS IN BUDI BIM NATIONAL PARK

The aerial shooting of hundreds of koalas at Budj Bim has been an extremely distressing event. WWF understands that our supporters are upset and shocked by what has transpired. While koalas are listed as endangered and threatened with extinction in NSW and Queensland, the situation in Victoria can be quite different depending on location. Koalas are even considered overabundant in some areas of western Victoria. We call on the Victorian government to better manage the issue of koalas and the region’s blue gum plantations with greater transparency. WWF conservation scientist Dr Kita Ashman published research on this problem five years ago calling for better planning and suggesting some solutions.