Koalas may be synonymous with Australia, but lately many Australians have been seeing less and less of the animals. According to research, koala populations are dwindling and threats such as climate change and urban sprawl are destroying their habitats. Conservationists have been fighting hard for years to have the animals listed as a threatened species and this month Australian officials helped accomplish this mission. We may think of koalas as cute and cuddly now, but we may soon be thinking of them as an endangered species as well.
New resources that will be added to the ipl2 are noted NEW! All other resources can already be found in the ipl2 collection.
Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) (find it on the ipl2)
In existence for over 25 years, this non-profit organization is dedicated to spreading awareness about the conservation of koalas as well as promoting both research and habitat protection. AKF provides information on koalas, their plight and ways to help. There are also resources for kids, videos and photos.
National Geographic Creature Feature (find it on the ipl2)
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturefeature/koala/
National Geographic Kids features fun facts for kids about koalas, a variety of photos and a map that highlights the animal’s natural habitat. This website allows visitors to print out the information or email it to friends.
NEW! Australian Government: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/koala.html
Sponsored by the Australian government, this website details the official evidence for adding koalas to the threatened species list. Petitions relating to this ruling along with recovery plans, conservation and management programs are available to view.
ARKive Blog (find it on the ipl2)
http://blog.arkive.org/2012/05/australia-lists-koalas-as-vulnerable/
Devoted to showcasing pictures and videos of endangered species, the blog produced by ARKive discusses the recent threats koalas have been facing and the ways in which changes in climate and habitat loss have adversely affected them. Details concerning what steps are being taken to save them can also be found here along with links to photos and videos of the koala captured by ARKive.
NEW! The Foundational for National Parks and Wildlife
http://www.fnpw.org.au/plants-a-wildlife/land-mammals/koala
This website provides background information on the koala as well as its habitat. There are additional resources listed that relay the types of projects and programs the Foundation has put in place to save the endangered animal and restore its natural home so it can thrive in the wild.
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May 23, 2012 at 8:33 pm
[...] link: In the News: Koalas in Danger « ipl2 – news and information [...]