Posted 23/10/10 

Care2 Says Help Protect Australia's Koalas

Take action link:

http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/AF5KD/zKMB/Aqy8W

Koalas are iconic Australian wildlife. But loss of habitat and now an epidemic of chlamydia threaten the entire species.

Tell the Prime Minister Julia Gillard to protect Australia's koalas »

Koala populations are already dwindling as urban sprawl gobbles up their habitat and puts them into dangerous contact with humans, and climate change threatens the eucalyptus forests they call home.  Scientists estimate that there are as few as 43,000 koalas left in Australia.

But chlamydia in koalas is insidious. It causes severe pink eye, urinary tract infections and infertility. Eventually it leads to a painful death. So far four of every five koalas have been infected, and the disease has left 40 percent of females infertile.

If trends continue, some scientists worry that koalas could go extinct in the next 30 years. The Australian government must step in to protect koalas.

Tell PM Gillard to take steps to classify koala bears as "vulnerable" »

Thanks for taking action!
 

Emily V.
Care2 and ThePetitionSite Team