Koalas face extinction on Australia's east coast without urgent action, yet many Australians believe enough is being done or remain unsure how to help, according to a new survey1 commissioned by Australia Post and WWF-Australia.
The research has spurred the launch of a national awareness campaign to close the knowledge gap, spark action, and secure the future of one of Australia's most iconic species.
Shockingly, nearly two-thirds of Australians (65%) think koalas are only "somewhat" at risk of extinction or not at risk, and 40% still think Australia is doing enough to protect koalas and their habitat.
This is despite koala numbers on the east coast having declined by more than 50% over the past two decades due to habitat loss, bushfires, drought and disease, and a parliamentary inquiry finding that koalas will become extinct in NSW by 2050 without urgent intervention.
To shift perceptions and inspire action, Australia Post and its community partner WWF-Australia have launched the Koala Champions campaign, encouraging Aussies to improve their knowledge by taking WWF-Australia's koala quiz, donating vital funds to conservation programs and advocating for the future of koalas in their local communities.
The need for greater awareness and action is underscored by the research that reveals a troubling disconnect between perception and reality when it comes to the status of koalas. Sadly, almost a third of all Aussies (31%) have never seen a koala in the wild and roughly six in ten (57%) said they have never taken any action to support koala conservation.
WWF-Australia's CEO, Dermot O'Gorman said all Australians can play a role in saving koalas.
"We can all become koala champions by discussing the threats facing these Aussie icons and taking action to protect their forest homes.
"WWF-Australia is working across multiple fronts to give koalas a future in the wild. This means restoring and reconnecting fragmented forests to build koala corridors, working with landholders and Traditional Owners to replant habitats, and supporting partners to monitor koala health and trial a chlamydia vaccine.
"With the support of Australia Post, we're expanding our efforts to deliver educational resources across the country to engage young people, schools and local communities in koala conservation. These initiatives are crucial for closing the awareness gap and equipping people with the knowledge and tools to make a difference," Mr O'Gorman said.
Uncertainty highest in youth
The YouGov survey found the knowledge gap is most pronounced among younger generations and Australians living in metropolitan areas:
- 71% of Gen Z agree enough is being done to protect koalas or are unsure.
- 77% of Millennials agree or are unsure.
- 56% of Gen X agree or are unsure.
- 52% of Baby Boomers agree or are unsure.
Nationwide koala support is surging
Despite the current projections, the research revealed widespread affection and support for koalas. Every respondent said koalas were an iconic symbol of Australia and encouragingly, the vast majority (78%) said they would like more focus on wildlife conservation in schools, with almost half agreeing they would do more to help if they knew how.
Australia Post General Manager Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Nicky Tracey, said by leveraging Australia Post's national network, the organisation can help to deliver vital conservation messaging to Australians across the country.
"This campaign underscores Australia Post's deep commitment to protecting Australia's biodiversity. Since partnering with WWF-Australia in 2022, we've raised vital funds, directly to supporting a future where our most iconic native species can thrive - and have raised awareness of the koala crisis directly to communities across the country," Ms Tracey said.
Australia Post customers can become a Koala Champion by taking different actions to support koala conservation or by donating to WWF by visiting wwf.org.au/koalachampion or through purchasing WWF-Australia merchandise in store at Post Offices nationwide.
With every purchase of the WWF-Australia Tote Bag, $1 is donated to WWF, and with every Pip the Koala toy purchase, $2 is donated to WWF-Australia. 100% of the funds received by WWF-Australia directly support WWF's work to regenerate nature including koala habitat restoration, planting wildlife corridors and providing critical care to sick and injured koalas.
