Victoria’s koalas in chronically poor health and population is half what was previously estimated
A report from the Victorian government reveals that the state's koala population is significantly smaller and in poorer health than previously estimated. The government faced criticism for delaying the release of these findings for over a year.
Why it matters
Accurate population data is critical for effective wildlife conservation and habitat management policies.
An overabundance in some local koala populations had created a perception that Victoria’s overall population was thriving, researchers say. An overabundance in some local koala populations had created a perception that Victoria’s overall population was thriving, researchers say. Victoria Victoria’s koalas in chronically poor health and population is half what was previously estimated Exclusive: State government delayed releasing major report into the health of the koala population for more than 12 months
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Prefer the Guardian on Google The Victorian government sat on a report for more than 12 months that found the state’s koala population was in chronically poor health.
The review of the state’s koala populations, led by state science agency the Arthur Rylah Institute in conjunction with scientists from major universities, was completed for the Victorian government in June 2025.
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