One of the most important things we can do for nature is save our threatened species from extinction while we still have time, says WIRES, Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organisation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The theme for this World Environment Day (June 5) of ‘Connecting People to Nature’. The aim is, to have people think about how they are part of nature and how intimately we depend upon it, and according to WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor, for the Bellingen Shire this means thinking about koalas.
“It is almost impossible to think that in less than 40 years, animals like koalas could vanish from the wild in New South Wales,” Ms Taylor said.
“It’s not only possible, it’s likely. The government has passed legislation that will lead to broad scale land clearing in New South Wales which will threaten all native animals that inhabit these forests.”
Related Content
WIRES is part of the Stand Up for Nature campaign that has opposed the changes.
“The government has already identified the koala as ‘vulnerable’ to extinction in the medium term in NSW and there are currently endangered populations in Pittwater, Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens, and in the Northern Rivers region,” Ms Taylor said.
“There are numerous koala populations throughout the state including south-west Sydney, New England region, Clarence Valley and central west areas of NSW.
“WIRES is there 365 days a year to rescue animals that have lost their homes… and this Winter we’re asking people to donate what they can as the number of displaced animals only continues to increase.”
In recent years, WIRES has received an increasing number of calls about koalas.
In the last year alone, WIRES responded to more than 480 calls from around Australia to help koalas in need – that’s more than one a day. Some of these calls required action and follow up from WIRES and others were referred to other organisations.
“The reality is that caring for native animals like koalas requires special skills and a whole team of special people,” Ms Taylor said.
“Since May last year, WIRES has taken into care around 40 koalas.”
Joining the chorus of concern is WIRES’ koala coordinator, Vickii Lett.
“Koalas come into care for any number of reasons, from being in places they shouldn’t be, to disease, dog attacks and motor vehicle accidents,” Ms Lett said.
“Occasionally we get youngsters who have been separated from mum and we don’t know why.
“We always work with specialists to come up with the best case scenario for the individual animal, which could involve treatment with a drug or surgical procedure. We work closely with researchers and vets to ensure we are using the best practices in koala care.”
Ms Taylor said with the help of donors and supporters, WIRES can train more volunteers to care for koalas and start building the kinds of facilities we need to prepare them for their life in the wild.
“For instance, we would love to provide pre-release enclosures full of trees for our recovering koalas, to assist them in regaining strength and fitness,” she said.
“The work of WIRES extends beyond just responding to emergencies.
“WIRES’ volunteers contribute to knowledge of koala care and of the health of native populations through tracking and monitoring.
“The organisation also works with the Australian Museum Research Institute in collecting koala DNA that makes a vital contribution to research and conservation efforts.
“When people give to WIRES they can be assured that their donations go towards supporting our threatened species through: emergency rescue and care, community education; and efforts to conserve native habitats and populations.”
