Today, the number of koalas in Australia is less than 58,000. In 2018, there were more than 80,000 koalas in Australia, according to Reuters.
The Australian Koala Foundation writes that it looks worst in the state of New South Wales, where there are 41 percent fewer koalas than three years ago.
Forest fires, droughts and bulldozers
Deborah Tabart says there are several reasons behind the staggering figure.
In recent years, major forest fires have ravaged Australia and killed many koalas.
In addition, the warm temperature has resulted in drought, which has affected New South Wales in particular.
Deforestation is also a reason behind the declining numbers.
Deborah Tabart fears for the koalas if the bulldozers continue to drive in the koalas' habitat.
- We are concerned about places such as western New South Wales, where drought has had a cumulative effect over the past ten years.
River systems have been dry for years, and red eucalyptus trees that koalas live on are dead, she says.
The Australian government is expected to present a national recovery plan for the koalas on Friday.
This will apply to the states of New South Wales, Queensland and the area around the Australian capital Canberra.