The plight of koalas was a factor in creating this new national park, but 66 threatened animals and 37 threatened flora species are also found here. Photo Credit: Johan Augustin.
Animals AustraliaForest Corridor to Help Koalas (and More!) Recover
Australia has created a vast new national park designed to reconnect fragmented forests and protect koalas, along with dozens of other threatened species.
“That’s how we protect the environment for the future,” said Mark Graham, ecologist and environmental activist, describing the importance of restoring connected habitat for wildlife.
The Great Koala National Park in New South Wales will combine existing reserves and state forests into a protected area covering nearly 5,000 square kilometres, making it one of the largest conservation areas in the state. Conservation groups say the park could protect around 20% of New South Wales’ wild koala population while also safeguarding 66 threatened animal species and 37 threatened plant species. The initiative follows more than a decade of campaigning. It includes forest corridors that allow koalas to move between habitats more safely as climate change, logging, and urban expansion continue to pressure native forests.
